Dr. Al-Mashat said the opening reflects strong regional and
international private sector confidence in the Egyptian economy. She noted that
the bank’s wide regional and global footprint can support stronger links
between Egyptian companies and their counterparts abroad, boosting investment
and expanding opportunities for cooperation and trade.
She added that the event’s location near the Pyramids
highlights Egypt’s deep-rooted civilization, while the ongoing development of
the economy demonstrates the impact of recent economic and structural reforms.
She stressed the strength of Egypt’s financial sector and the Central Bank’s
continued efforts to align with global standards.
She explained that the new office supports economic
integration across Africa and enhances trade and investment ties between Egypt
and African countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. She said this comes
in line with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and Egypt’s strategic
position linking Africa and the Arab world.
Al-Mashat noted that the government continues to advance
economic and structural reforms that have strengthened macroeconomic stability
and improved the investment climate. She said these reforms helped attract
foreign direct investment and encouraged more international banks to operate in
Egypt, giving the private sector wider access to global financial markets.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to welcoming
international investors and facilitating their entry through cooperation with
strong financial institutions. She said these efforts create new investments,
generate jobs and enhance the resilience of the economy. She added that private
investment exceeded 50 percent of total investment in the last fiscal year.
Al-Mashat stressed that empowering the private sector is a
central pillar of Egypt’s strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth. She
said the government is working to create a more competitive and attractive
business environment, while partnerships between the state and the private
sector are essential to maximizing resources and strengthening productive
capacity.
It is worth noting that Standard Bank is one of Africa’s
largest banks, with a presence in more than 20 countries and global centers in
Dubai, New York, Beijing and London.