Germany has affirmed its support for Egypt's democratic and economic changes during the current period. They praised the voting process for the Egyptian parliamentary elections which began on November 28. German Deputy Chancellor and Minister of Economics and Technology Philipp Rosler said Germany and the whole world are following the Egyptian parliamentary elections closely. He also said increasing rates of participation in the elections is a sign of Egyptians' increased awareness, their desire to apply democratic and social justice principles and improve their standard of living. Rosler said Egypt is Germany's biggest trade partner in North Africa, as trade between the two countries stands at 4 billion Euros. He confirmed that Germany supports both the public and private sector in both countries. “Germany's direct investments in Egypt reached 600 million Euros in 2010, while they stood at 360 million Euros in 2006,” said Rosler. German investments in Egypt include wholesale and retail, engines, and new and renewable energy, added Rosler. He also said building a strong Egyptian economy must depend on applying the law and decreasing corruption. “Egypt needs more reforms in medical treatment, education, infrastructure and management,” said Rosler, adding “Germany supports Egypt across many fields such as vocational training.” The German-Egyptian business board held a meeting yesterday until midnight with officials from both countries attending, including Minister of Foreign Trade and Industry Mahmoud Eissa, Minister of Tourism Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour and numerous executive directors of German companies.
