The 2025 edition of the CCE MENA Forum commenced in Cairo on Thursday, under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, Egypt's Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade reported. The event is taking place from May 8 to 10. The forum is organised by the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), a network of more than 4,600 companies operating across 150 countries. The event brings together a significant number of French and international firms active in the region. Egypt was selected as host in recognition of its pivotal regional role and the country's rapid progress in infrastructure and economic development, according to the organisers. French Ambassador to Egypt Eric Chevallier said in his opening speech that the event highlights the strong and longstanding ties between France and Egypt. He described the forum as an important step towards deepening economic cooperation between the two countries. Chevallier explained that the forum focuses on four key pillars of industrial transformation: expanding solar energy use, improving energy efficiency, strengthening cybersecurity, and advancing artificial intelligence technologies — all critical areas for digital and environmental transition. The Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ludovic Pouille emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving these goals. He added that French-Egyptian cooperation also spans vital sectors such as water and renewable energy, aiming to boost the efficiency and resilience of Egypt's economy. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
