The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) has held high-level talks with a delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan to explore avenues for cooperation in supporting technology start-ups, encouraging mutual investments, and opening new markets for Egyptian companies in Central Asia. The Uzbek delegation included Azizbek Yusupov, Head of Export and Investment for the Middle East and North Africa, and Abdurahman Karimberdiev, Director of Partnerships and Investment for the same region, alongside senior officials from GAFI. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Egyptian and Uzbek tech ecosystems, including building partnerships between companies in both countries, exchanging expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem development, and identifying opportunities to attract global technology firms to operate in Egypt and Uzbekistan through the facilitation platforms and services offered by each side. Hossam Heiba, CEO of GAFI, said he looks forward to strengthening cooperation between Egypt and Uzbekistan, noting that the visit marks an important step towards opening new horizons for mutual investment and deepening bilateral economic and trade relations. He highlighted the significant opportunities available in both markets, particularly in technology and digital sectors. Heiba stressed that GAFI remains committed to promoting international cooperation in promising tech industries, supporting the digital economy, attracting new investments, and enabling Egyptian companies to expand into regional and global markets. He added that Egypt's investment ecosystem is supported by a diverse set of frameworks, including free zones, investment zones and technology parks, which enhance private sector participation and stimulate both domestic and foreign investment flows. He also underlined the importance of maintaining ongoing communication between the two sides to build on the discussions and advance investment cooperation, particularly in priority sectors for both countries. For his part, Azizbek Yusupov expressed appreciation for GAFI's hosting, noting that the meeting reflects a genuine commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. He praised recent improvements in Egypt's business environment, describing them as a "strong incentive to expand collaboration", and announced that Egypt will be the first African country from which IT Park Uzbekistan will support technology companies in regional expansion and investment. During the meeting, the Uzbek delegation outlined key investment incentives offered by the Government of Uzbekistan to foreign companies, especially in the ICT sector. These include tax exemptions, streamlined company incorporation procedures, and fast, flexible licensing services. The delegation also confirmed that IT Park Uzbekistan is fully prepared to support Egyptian companies seeking to invest or expand in the Uzbek market. IT Park Uzbekistan is a leading technology hub and the official incubator operating under the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, specialising in supporting IT companies, developing digital industries, promoting exports, and attracting foreign investment into the technology sector.
