Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment Relations
The British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) successfully concluded its highly anticipated business mission to the United Kingdom on September 18-20, 2024. This mission served as an important moment in strengthening the long-standing trade and investment relationship between the two nations. A diverse delegation of Egyptian business leaders and government officials explored new avenues for collaboration, investment opportunities, and knowledge-sharing across key sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, finance and investment.
Mission Overview
The BEBA Business Mission to the UK was a crucial platform for strengthening bilateral economic ties. It reinforced Egypt’s role as a gateway to Africa and the Middle East for British businesses and reassured UK investors of Egypt’s market potential, particularly in fast-growing sectors like renewable energy and infrastructure. This mission laid the groundwork for future collaborative projects, advancing sustainable development and reaffirming BEBA’s pivotal role in fostering British-Egyptian business relations. By fostering new partnerships, unlocking investment opportunities, and focusing on long-term sustainable growth, the mission underscored the immense potential for both nations to achieve their shared economic goals. BEBA remains committed to strengthening UK-Egypt ties, and future collaboration promises even greater mutual benefits
Key Participants
The BEBA delegation was led by BEBA Chairman, Eng. Khaled Nosseir, and featured high-level participation from both Egyptian government officials and the private sector. Key participants included:
• H.E. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance of Egypt
• H.E. Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade
• H.E. Rami Aboul Naga, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Egypt
• H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid, Executive Chairman, Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA)
• H.E. Waleid Gamal Eldien, Chairman, SCZONE
• H.E. Khaled Abbas, Chairman & CEO, Administrative Capital for Urban Developments (ACUD)
Leaders from various Egyptian industries, including banking, industrial parks, construction, and renewable energy, also joined the delegation, contributing to a diverse and impactful business mission.
Key Events
BEBA organised main events with key speakers from the Egyptian government and the private sector which highlighted the following topics:
1. Driving Investment for a Smooth Green Transition at MHA Baker Tilly
This flagship event provided a platform to discuss bilateral trade dynamics, emerging market opportunities, and mutual economic interests. Keynote addresses by H.E. Ahmed Kouchouk and senior UK officials emphasised areas for collaboration, particularly in green economy initiatives, digital transformation, and infrastructure.
2. Unlocking Investment Opportunities at British International Investment (BII)
Industry leaders explored the challenges and opportunities of investing in Egypt, with particular attention to the country’s growing infrastructure, renewable energy sector, and strategic location. The discussions also emphasised the importance of regulatory reforms and partnerships with local stakeholders, reinforcing Egypt’s capacity to become a regional investment hub, especially in sectors like technology and logistics
3. Exploring the Egyptian Economic & Investment Landscape at MHA Baker Tilly
Focused discussions on energy transition and the digital economy enabled experts from both nations to exchange insights on leveraging emerging technologies and financial tools to achieve sustainable development goals.
4. Roundtable on Egypt Finance & Investment at BNY Mellon
A roundtable discussion was held with Egyptian officials at BNY Mellon, addressing several key topics. The dialogue centred around the fiscal challenges facing the U.S. and their potential impact on emerging markets, particularly Egypt. Attendees also explored investor appetite for emerging markets, discussing Egypt’s opportunities and challenges in both private and public markets, and providing an investment outlook. Furthermore, sustainable financing, with a focus on renewable energy, was a critical point of discussion, emphasising its importance for Egypt’s economic growth and long-term development strategies
5. Networking Business Dinner at the Arab Bankers Association (ABA)
One of the mission’s highlights was the Business Dinner hosted by the Arab Bankers Association, honouring H.E. Ahmed Kouchouk, Egypt’s Minister of Finance. BEBA extends its sincere thanks to the Arab Bankers Association for their generous hospitality. This dinner fostered critical discussions, enhancing the relationship between key stakeholders from both nations
6. Reception at the Egyptian Ambassador’s Residence
Another highlight of the recent business mission was the reception hosted at the Egyptian Ambassador’s Residence in Mayfair on Thursday September 19. This prestigious event provided an excellent platform for fostering direct business partnerships and facilitating productive discussions among key industry leaders. The elegant setting and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for meaningful dialogue and future collaboration. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to His Excellency Sherif Kamel and the Embassy Team for their outstanding hospitality. Their attention to detail and warm reception made the evening both memorable and impactful, contributing greatly to the success of the mission. On the sideline of these events,
On the sideline of these events, BEBA organised investors roundtables for the Ministers and officials with the support of different entities, such as Jefferies, HSBC, The Egyptian Embassy in the UK and DBT. BEBA also organised One to One meetings with a number of UK companies to meet with the Egyptian Ministers and officials. The mission resulted in several significant outcomes that will shape future cooperation between the two countries:
Significant Outcomes
The mission yielded several important outcomes that will shape
future cooperation between Egypt and the UK:
Partnership in Education: BEBA proudly announced the formation
of a partnership between New Era Education and Moon Hall School
Reigate during the mission. This collaboration aims to establish
Egypt’s first Special Needs Learning Centre in New Giza, Cairo. The
agreement, signed during an event hosted by the Egyptian Embassy,
marks a milestone in advancing inclusive education in Egypt.
Investment Pledges: During a series of one-on-one meetings and
Investors roundtable UK businesses expressed strong interest in
increasing investments in Egypt’s renewable energy and construction
sectors. Discussions also focused on expanding partnerships in
finance, green hydrogen, and the Suez Canal Economic Zone
(SCZone).
Focus on Sustainable Development: Both nations reaffirmed their
commitment to climate-friendly projects, with Egypt’s leadership in
renewable energy across Africa highlighted as a key area of focus. British
expertise will play a crucial role in supporting Egypt’s green transition.
Key Participants
BEBA extends its heartfelt thanks to all the stakeholders who contributed to the mission’s success, including:
• MHA Baker Tilly for hosting key sessions at their London premises
• BNY Mellon for supporting the Finance Day and facilitating critical discussions
• British International Investment (BII) for hosting a session on investment opportunities in Egypt
• The Arab Bankers Association for hosting the Networking Business Dinner
• National Bank of Egypt (UK) for its invaluable support throughout the mission
• HSBC, Vodafone, Polaris Parks, Dar, Penspen, and Sidara Collaborative for their sponsorship and contributions to discussions
on infrastructure, investment, and renewable energy
• New Era Education for sponsoring and supporting BEBA’s mission and for advancing inclusive education in Egypt with the
Special Needs Learning Centre at New Giza
• Jefferies for hosting investors roundtable discussions for the Minister of Finance, Minister of Investment and the Deputy
Governor of the Central Bank
• The Egyptian Embassy in the UK for hosting several events at the Ambassador Residence, such as the reception, one to one
meetings with officials and two roundtables with the Minister of Finance and the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank
• The British Embassy in Cairo (DBT Team) for organising one to one meetings and investors roundtable for the officials with
British Companies
• Egylière for being the mission’s travel and concierge partner
• Waltons Digital Media for their outstanding efforts in the PR and marketing campaign for the mission
• N Gage Consulting for their contributions to the mission’s content and discussions
• BEBA Delegation for their active participation and support
• BEBA Board Members for supporting and participating in the Mission
• BEBA Executive Team for their dedication, effort and support which resulted in the success of the mission
The BEBA Business Mission to the UK marked an important step forward in solidifying the longstanding trade and investment
partnership between Egypt and the United Kingdom. BEBA looks forward to continued collaboration and the realisation of the
opportunities identified during this highly productive mission.