The British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) has organised on Wednesday a special lunch bouquet in honour of H.E. Sir Geoffrey Adams, the newly-appointed UK Ambassador to Cairo. Sir Geoffrey Adams was appointed as the UK Ambassador to Egypt last September in succession to Mr. John Cassson. Speaking at the event, Khaled Nosseir, Chairman of British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA), said the association prepares to send its annual mission to the UK at the end of the current month, from -November 27-30. The mission will work on both business and investment promotional levels. It will meet with UK leaderships to discuss business cooperation between Egyptian and British companies as well as promote investment opportunities in Egypt, Nosseir said. The mission will first head to Manchester to explore investment opportunities in oil and gas sectors, then to Liverpool to meet with the chamber of commerce officials and discuss cooperation in transport sector. It will finally head to London to discuss cooperation in various sectors, such as educational and ongoing giant national projects in Egypt, Nosseir added. In addition, Mr. Nosseir made a brief introduction to the new UK ambassador's 39-year rich career. In 1979, Sir Adams started his British Diplomatic Service. He has been in diplomatic postings overseas in Saudi Arabia, France, South Africa and Egypt. He was the British Consul-General in Jerusalem from 2001 to 2003, before joining the Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary. He served as Ambassador to Iran 2006–2009 and Director-General, Political at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) 2009–2012. In September 2013 he took up the post of Ambassador to the Netherlands, and concurrently Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons which is based in The Hague, the Netherlands. He also worked at Ecole Nationale d ‘Administration in Paris from 1985-1987. Sir Adams spoke at the event, asserting that he is really glad to be in Egypt. He said he was supposed to retire but then he was notified of having a new diplomatic mission which he rejected first, yet later when he knew Egypt will be his final diplomatic service, he immediately said yes. Adams said he "chose to be here" as Cairo brings good memories for him. He first visited Cairo in 1973, when his father served as the UK ambassador to Cairo from 1973 until 1976, which was also his last diplomatic mission. During that time, Adams used to go to Cairo during summer vacations. Adams himself served as Deputy Head of Mission from 1998 until 2001. He said he often visits Egypt from time to time with his wife. The UK ambassador stressed the importance of "making connections and encouraging connections with people" to look for ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. That is why he met Tuesday with Egyptian Minister of Finance Mohamed Maiet to discuss BEBA's preparations for the anticipated mission to the UK. Adams explained that he would be in London to accompany the Egyptian mission and work on strengthening business relations between the two countries, commending BEBA's role and efforts. He described BEBA's activities as "flourishing and growing". "I have more to do," Adams said, clarifying that he intends to work on two levels, politically and economically. From political perspective, the UK ambassador said he seeks to intensify dialogue with Egyptian authorities and bolster political partnerships. He on Tuesday met with Egyptian authorities to discuss the Palestinian and Gaza files, saying Egypt plays a great role to solve the tragedy ongoing there. From economic perspective, Adams said besides boosting British investments and trade in Egypt, he also intends to increase focus on more sectors for cooperation between the two countries. Talking about the Brexit, Adams said he is optimistic that a deal to leave the EU will be completed soon. Britain will face a difficult transitional period in the beginning after leaving the EU until it reaches an agreement with each EU country and worldwide. He also said he sees Brexit as an opportunity for UK to reach new agreements based on what it really needs. He described the relation between Egypt and UK as complementary since his country imports fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the two countries may reach a new deal to exchange goods and services. Egypt would export fruits and vegetables to the UK, while the latter would export services i.e. insurance, fintech, counseling, legal, etc, in return, Adams explained. Adams said the UK market welcomes Egyptian services and goods. Furthermore, the UK ambassador said the cooperation between Egypt and UK in health sector has never failed him, and he is optimistic to witness more in the coming period. For Egypt, Adams is optimistic, saying there is a great opportunity to negotiate and reach an agreement or may be a free trade agreement with Egypt in the coming period. About the natural gas business, Adams said Egypt has great potential as such industry is growing and soon the country will export to the region and become a global hub for two reasons. The first reason he said is Egypt's unique geographic location, while the second is the country's trade relations with key economic blocks such as COMESA and with multinational companies working in exploring new gas fields in Egypt. "Egypt is a place of opportunity of businesses … it is really an interesting emerging market," Adams said, adding that the country is concentrating on developing its human capital by investing in entrepreneurship sector and creating business. Speaking about tourism, Adams said the number of flights to Egypt is growing not just from UK but from other countries worldwide. He said the number of UK flights to Egypt reached 51. Talking about investment climate in Egypt, Adams said the country has a very attractive package. For instance, low cost and prices are considered attractive for foreign investors. He also said authorities in Egypt are doing a great job in promoting investment and doing business. When asked about obstacles that might make British investors refrain from investing in Egypt, Adams said the customs arrangements can sometimes be challenging. Concerning being mingled with social media and public opinion, the UK ambassador said he prefers to be "quite cautious" as engaging in such networks can bring some risks. He explained that he would stick to his mission and goal, which is promoting relationship between Egypt and UK.
