Egypt's Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said on Sunday that Egypt has repeatedly proven to be a reliable and active partner of the United States, based on a shared understanding that addressing the region's deep-rooted challenges requires stronger bilateral cooperation. Speaking at the 2025 Egypt-US Policy Leaders Forum, Madbouly said the event reflects Egypt's commitment to empowering the private sector as a cornerstone of its strategy for inclusive and sustainable economic development. He stressed the government's efforts to create a competitive, open, and enabling environment that allows private firms to drive innovation, job creation, and long-term growth. The prime minister said Egypt has taken concrete steps to implement this vision, foremost among them the adoption of the State Ownership Policy Document. The document outlines sectors where the government plans to reduce or fully exit its role, sending a clear signal to markets and investors about the state's new economic orientation. Madbouly added that Egypt has expanded public-private partnership mechanisms in key sectors such as transport, renewable energy, education, and water infrastructure. This has given the private sector a leading role in developing strategic national assets. He also noted the creation of dedicated investor support platforms, most notably the "golden licence" system, which enables investors to start and operate projects with a single approval from the Cabinet, minimising bureaucratic procedures. The prime minister said over 1,800 US companies operate in Egypt, with total US investments exceeding $47 billion over the past two decades. He highlighted Egypt's value as both a domestic market of more than 107 million people and a gateway to Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Through its vast network of trade agreements, Egypt gives investors access to more than 1.5 billion consumers. Madbouly also announced two key developments relevant to the US business community: the automotive sector and halal certification for dairy products. He said recent talks with the US side have shown growing interest in the automotive industry, with requests made to ease restrictions on US-made vehicles entering the Egyptian market. On May 11, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, who also serves as Minister of Industry and Transport, issued Decree No. 112 of 2025. The decision lifts the requirement for US vehicles to meet the mandatory Egyptian standards listed in Catalogue No. 44 for engineering goods and products. Egypt has officially notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of the new regulatory changes, effectively opening the Egyptian market to US-made vehicles without barriers. Madbouly added that Egypt has also permanently exempted dairy products and their derivatives from the requirement to obtain halal certification upon import. On March 12, 2025, Egypt formally notified the WTO of the exemption under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, marking a new step in strengthening commercial ties with the United States.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
