In a strategic step to deepen the economic partnership between Egypt and Germany, the forum ended with great success. The event was held with the participation of a high-level Egyptian delegation.
The forum was organized by the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt). Engineer Ahmed El-Sewedy chaired the forum. It was hosted in Frankfurt and Munich in cooperation with the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Frankfurt (IHK) and Munich and Upper Bavaria (IHK).
The forum witnessed intense activity. It reflected the Egyptian government’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships. The delegation was led by Dr. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance. Other participants included Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Dr. Mohamed El-Badri, Egyptian Ambassador to Germany, and Amin Hassan, Consul General in Frankfurt.
Major German companies also participated. Leaders of the industrial sector attended, including AHK Egypt Board members: Engineer Ahmed El-Sewedy, Engineer Alaa Kamal, Amir Riad, Stephanie Volz, Engineer Mohamed El-Sheikh, Mustafa El-Bagoury, and Thomas Koval.
The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Marine Diala, Executive Director of AHK Egypt, and Karen El-Shafei, Head of Operations.
During the forum, Minister Ahmed Kouchouk reviewed the government’s efforts to stimulate investment. He highlighted tax incentives and financial policies that support production and exports. In addition, he promoted promising opportunities for German companies in priority sectors.
He emphasized that balanced economic results were achieved in the last fiscal year. This success came thanks to the private sector’s response to government initiatives. He explained that Egypt provides clear and predictable investment costs. Therefore, foreign companies avoid hidden costs that could reduce profitability or hinder expansion.
He confirmed that Egypt offers a stable tax policy of 22.5%. This is a competitive rate.
Walid Gamal El-Din presented the main advantages of the Suez Canal Economic Zone. He noted its integration of six seaports on the Mediterranean and Red Seas with four industrial and logistics zones. Moreover, he highlighted world-class infrastructure.
The Authority aims to localize 21 industrial, logistics, and service sectors. It also benefits from free trade agreements that provide access to nearly two billion consumers worldwide.
The forum included an official meeting with Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, and Kawa Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Transport of Hesse. They discussed prospects for Egyptian-Bavarian economic cooperation. They also addressed ways to support partnerships between companies from both sides.
Marine Diala explained that organizing the forum reflects the long-standing Egypt-Germany partnership. She affirmed that AHK Egypt is committed to strengthening economic ties by connecting the public and private sectors.
Engineer Ahmed El-Sewedy highlighted Egypt’s competitive advantages. He explained that labor costs and production economies are cheaper in Egypt than elsewhere. Thus, the country offers an ideal environment for investment.
He added, “I own industrial companies in 52 countries. Despite this global presence, Egypt remains the most competitive.” He noted that the Egyptian market has a young workforce, with an average age of 24. This supports growth.
He explained that the government established 18 modern industrial zones in recent years. These zones include advanced infrastructure and integrated logistics services. They facilitate production and export operations and provide facilities to investors.
Amir Riad emphasized that Egypt is Germany’s ideal industrial partner. It can serve as a regional manufacturing hub for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He pointed to Europe’s growing trend of reducing reliance on Asian markets, especially China.
He noted that Egypt has over 105 million people, with annual growth of 2.5 million. Thus, it is both a large domestic market and an attractive destination for Europe.
Egypt also offers a strategic location, close to Europe and connecting continents. Low production costs, the Suez Canal handling 12% of global trade, and extensive free trade agreements add to its appeal.
He added that Egyptian-German relations are witnessing unprecedented growth. Germany is among Egypt’s top trading partners in the EU. Trade volume exceeded 7 billion euros this year. This places Germany at the forefront of Egypt’s European partners.
Board members of AHK Egypt also presented their successful partnership experiences. Through bilateral sessions and B2B meetings, they shared expertise in industrial cooperation. They promoted Egypt’s competitive advantages and modern infrastructure. They also explored opportunities in energy, industry, infrastructure, technology, and smart transportation.
Karen El Shafei stressed that the participation of Egyptian officials reflects the state’s commitment to improving the investment climate. She explained that the goal is to maximize private sector participation and attract more foreign direct investment.
At the conclusion, participants emphasized that the forum represents a qualitative shift in Egyptian-German cooperation. It paves the way for long-term strategic partnerships in priority future sectors.
