The remarks came during the "Capital Call"
roundtable on “Investing in Egyptian Export Opportunities,” attended by Ayman
Soliman, Chairman of the Egyptian Private Equity and Venture Capital
Association; Hossam Heiba, Chairman of the General Authority for Investment and
Free Zones; Noha Khalil, Acting CEO of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt; alongside
business leaders, investors, exporters, manufacturers, and banking officials.
El-Khatib said Egypt can now aim for $145 billion in annual
exports, supported by flexible monetary policies, investor-friendly fiscal
measures, and trade policies that have cut the trade deficit to $30 billion,
its lowest since 2010.
Structural reforms have enhanced competitiveness and reduced
trade barriers, lowering customs clearance from 16 days to 5.8 days, with a
goal of two days. Digitization of procedures and permits is further easing
business operations.
Time and procedural constraints have dropped by 65%, with a
target of 90% reduction by year-end. A digital platform will unify investors
and authorities, streamlining transactions and introducing pre-clearance customs
processes.
El-Khatib emphasized that professional trade practices boost
industry and investment. The government supports exporters, focuses on high
value-added products, promotes green industries, and prioritizes service
exports alongside merchandise.
Egypt aims to expand trade agreements and private sector
cooperation, highlighting six African logistics hubs to connect Egyptian trade
across the continent.
Heiba stressed the vital role of startups in driving
industry and exports and called for activating sectoral incentives to encourage
further investment and expansion.
The session concluded with an open discussion, where
El-Khatib addressed questions, listened to recommendations from exporters and
manufacturers, and discussed strategies to facilitate trade.