The meeting was also attended by Ahmed Monsef, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation Egypt, and the Commercial Office at the Embassy.
Discussions focused on ways to boost the industrial and
investment partnership with Toyota Tsusho in the automotive sector, and the prospects
for expanding Toyota's investments in the Egyptian market, including exports to
African and European markets.
Ambassador El-Etreby affirmed the strength of the
Egyptian-Japanese partnership, highlighting the exceptional attention the
Egyptian state gives to Japanese investments. This is evidenced by the proposal
to establish a Japanese industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone and
the creation of a specialized Japan unit within the General Authority for
Investment (GAFI).
The Ambassador also pointed to the improvement in Egypt's
economic indicators and the success of the economic reform program, which
boosts investor confidence and paves the way for a greater role for the private
sector, especially in manufacturing industries.
The head of the Commercial Office reviewed the opportunities
available for Japanese companies to leverage Egypt’s strategic location and
trade agreements to establish manufacturing and export centers targeting the
Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
For their part, Toyota Tsusho officials expressed
appreciation for the relationship with Egypt, confirming their interest in expanding
their activities. They specifically mentioned local assembly, developing supply
chains, and deepening manufacturing, while focusing on ensuring and sustaining
quality in line with global Toyota standards.
They also discussed initial plans for gradually doubling
production and studying the introduction of new models, such as small trucks
and SUVs.
Ambassador El-Etreby confirmed the Embassy's readiness to overcome any challenges facing Japanese companies. He concluded by affirming that Egypt views Japan as a long-term strategic partner and that the current time represents an ideal opportunity to take concrete steps toward expanding automotive investments in Egypt.