The Egyptian-German Business Forum wrapped up its activities in Frankfurt and Munich, marking a major step in advancing economic cooperation and investment prospects between the two countries. Organised by the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt) and chaired by Ahmed El-Sewedy, the forum was held in partnership with the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Frankfurt and in Munich and Upper Bavaria. A high-level Egyptian delegation attended the event, including Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance; Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairperson of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE); Mohamed El-Badri, Egyptian Ambassador to Germany; alongside senior business leaders from both nations. In his address, Minister Kouchouk outlined government measures to encourage investment, highlighting tax incentives, supportive financial policies, and opportunities in priority sectors. He stressed that Egypt's stable 22.5% tax rate and transparent investment environment provide foreign investors with a competitive edge. Walid Gamal El-Din showcased SCZONE's advantages, including the integration of six seaports with four industrial and logistics zones and advanced infrastructure. He emphasised plans to localise 21 industries and leverage Egypt's free trade agreements, which grant access to nearly two billion consumers worldwide. The forum also included high-level meetings with German officials, such as Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger and Hesse's Minister of Economy and Transport Kawa Mansouri, focusing on expanding bilateral economic cooperation. Ahmed El-Sewedy, Chairperson of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Egypt, highlighted Egypt's competitiveness, citing low labour costs, a youthful workforce with an average age of 24, and 18 newly developed industrial zones equipped with modern infrastructure. He underlined that Egypt remains one of the most attractive investment destinations among the 52 countries where his companies operate. Amir Riad, board member of the Chamber, underscored Egypt's position as Germany's ideal industrial partner for regional manufacturing hubs serving Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He pointed to Egypt's strategic geographic location, low production costs, and the Suez Canal—through which 12% of global trade passes—as key advantages. Trade between Egypt and Germany exceeded €7bn this year, reinforcing Germany's role as one of Egypt's most important partners within the European Union. Throughout the forum, B2B meetings facilitated discussions on opportunities in energy, industry, technology, infrastructure, and smart transportation. Chamber officials, including Executive Director Marine Diala and Operations Head Karen El-Shafei, stressed the Chamber's role in bridging public and private sectors and supporting Egypt's drive to attract foreign direct investment. Concluding the event, participants agreed that the forum represented a turning point in Egyptian-German economic relations, paving the way for long-term strategic partnerships across priority sectors.
