Egypt, one of the most historically significant and strategically located countries in the world, has been making bold strides to enhance its economic landscape, positioning itself as a premier investment destination. As a gateway between Africa and the Middle East, Egypt has long been at the crossroads of trade and commerce, benefiting from its unique geographic location that links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. This global trade artery not only gives Egypt an unparalleled strategic advantage but also enables the country to serve as a hub for businesses seeking access to a market of over 3 billion people across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Yasser Abbas, Deputy Chairperson of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), outlined Egypt’s recent investment reforms, highlighting progress in infrastructure, including energy, transport, and digital networks, along with sector-specific incentives and streamlined investor procedures.

Speaking at the Egyptian-Swiss Business Forum, Abbas noted that these reforms have helped Egypt rank ninth globally in UNCTAD’s 2024 list of top investment destinations, attracting $46.1 billion in net inflows. He also highlighted that Swiss investments in Egypt have reached approximately $4.9 billion.

Abbas underscored the strong reputation of Swiss products and services in Egypt, noting that the government aims to build on this trust through deeper investment partnerships. 

He invited the Swiss delegation to visit Egypt’s free and investment zones to explore new opportunities, particularly in projects aligned with Egypt Vision 2030 focused on job creation, technology transfer, and export-led production.

The forum, organized by GAFI, was attended by Noha Kamal, Head of European Affairs at the Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS); Kamal Abdelmalek, President of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Egypt; and Vincent Subilia, Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

Noha Kamal described the forum as a “valuable platform” to expand bilateral trade and investment ties, adding that global trade disruptions have reinforced the need for diversified partnerships. 

She pointed out that annual trade between Egypt and Switzerland now exceeds $1 billion and encouraged Swiss investors to leverage Egypt’s strategic location and preferential access to regional markets serving more than 3 billion consumers.

Meanwhile, Kamal Abdelmalek showcased the success of Swiss firms operating in Egypt—particularly in pharmaceuticals, food production, agriculture, and textiles. 

He noted that Egypt hosts more than 400 Swiss projects generating $1.6 billion annually and employing over 10,000 people. Nearly two-thirds of Swiss companies in Egypt have been active for over 25 years, underscoring their long-term commitment to the market.

The forum concluded with bilateral meetings between Swiss and Egyptian companies, exploring partnerships across renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research.