Al Mashat participates in Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum
Basant Ahmed
Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in the Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum, held at the General Authority for Investment.
The forum was attended by H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; H.E. Mr. Benjamin Dosa, Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade and International Development Cooperation; Mr. Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Ambassador of Sweden to Egypt; Ms. Maria Håkansson, CEO of the Swedish Development Finance Institution "Swedfund"; and a number of major Swedish companies investing in Egypt, including IKEA, Ericsson, and Electrolux, among others.
During her speech, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum represents a gathering that reflects the strength of the economic partnership between Egypt and Sweden, two nations that share a vision for progress driven by innovation, investment, and cooperation.
H.E. noted that the first Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum contributed to enhancing dialogue, strengthening trade relations, and led to actionable insights on how to deepen cooperation. Among the key outcomes was a shared ambition to enhance financial mechanisms, support business expansion, and leverage expertise in technology and sustainability. The success of that forum laid the foundation for today's discussions, allowing for building upon mutual achievements.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that the presence of Swedish companies operating in Egypt plays a crucial role in driving innovation, creating job opportunities, and promoting industrial efficiency. This also reflects Egypt's centrality as a regional and international hub in trade and logistics, encompassing everything from infrastructure and digital solutions to financial tools that empower entrepreneurs and companies alike.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that the forum represents an opportunity to further integrate Swedish expertise with Egyptian ambition, ensuring the continued achievement of shared goals.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the strong Egyptian-European relations, both at the country and European financial institution levels, which support sustainable development efforts in Egypt and empower the private sector.
She mentioned that next June will witness the launch of the investment guarantee mechanism, which was announced during the Egyptian-EU Summit. This mechanism provides guarantees worth 1.8 billion Euros to attract private capital and mobilize impactful investments across vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, digitalization, water, agriculture, and climate resilience.
These guarantees will also play a pivotal role in mobilizing additional financing from European and international development banks, enhancing Egypt's investment landscape, and creating new opportunities for the private sector, including Swiss companies.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat touched on the ambitious measures implemented by the government since March 2024 to enhance macroeconomic stability and improve the business environment, aimed at driving growth, employment, and solidifying the economy's resilience. This was reflected in the shift in the quality of economic growth, now based on non-petroleum manufacturing industries, as well as an increase in private sector investments compared to a contraction in public investments.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also stressed the importance of fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Swedish companies in Egypt, as well as strengthening technical support within the framework of the national platform for the "NWFE" program.
She also highlighted Egypt's endeavors in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to boost the competitiveness of Egyptian exports while adapting to the green transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that the forum provides a unique opportunity to build lasting partnerships, explore untapped potential, and align economic visions for a better tomorrow. She confirmed the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation commitment to maximizing the benefit from development cooperation mechanisms with the Swedish side to drive economic development.
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