The UK is offering fresh tax and regulatory incentives to encourage Egyptian companies to list on the London Stock Exchange, as interest grows in dual listings that give firms access to global capital, Britain's ambassador to Egypt said Wednesday. Mark Bryson-Richardson said the latest measures include a three-year exemption from stamp duty for companies that list their shares in London, reducing the cost of entry and strengthening the appeal of the UK as a fundraising hub for Egyptian businesses seeking to expand abroad. The incentives come as the UK steps up efforts to deepen economic ties with Egypt through closer engagement with policymakers and regulators. Bryson-Richardson said discussions between the two countries are increasingly shaped by the practical challenges faced by companies, rather than broad policy commitments. Britain has delivered technical assistance programs in cooperation with Egypt's Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and other institutions, alongside direct regulatory dialogue in sectors including pharmaceuticals and food and beverages, aimed at improving the operating environment and sharing best practices. Egypt is already seeing a tangible pace of reform, the ambassador said, pointing to recent discussions with Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk on tax changes that were later announced. While progress is evident, he added, the pace of change needs to accelerate and broaden to fully unlock investment potential. Further reforms are needed in areas such as intellectual property rights, streamlining and unifying procedures, and addressing strategic issues related to data security, which Bryson-Richardson said are central to attracting long-term investment and enabling companies to scale. The UK, he said, offers a stable regulatory environment, strong fiscal discipline and reliable access to foreign currency, making it an attractive market for Egyptian exporters and investors. While Britain's economic growth trails Egypt's expansion of more than 5 per cent, the UK remains the second-fastest growing economy in the Group of Seven, with significant opportunities still available. Bryson-Richardson also highlighted the UK's industrial strategy, announced last year, which channels support towards priority sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing and high-value services. Investments in clean energy alone are expected to reach about £61 billion. As part of efforts to attract foreign companies, the UK has elevated its investment office to ministerial level to help large firms establish a presence and navigate regulations. Additional incentives, including higher allowances that enable engineering companies to deduct a substantial share of their setup costs, are aimed at supporting businesses seeking to expand, secure foreign currency and tap the British market. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
