Unlocking Investment Potential: BEBA Breakfast Briefing Highlights Egypt’s Vision, Opportunities

The British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) organised a Breakfast Briefing on Tuesday in collaboration with Standard Chartered, featuring prominent industry leaders and experts.

Keynote speakers included Saif Malik, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank UK, Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Atter Hannoura, Director of the PPP Central Unit at the Ministry of Finance, and Dr. Alexander Shadrin, CEO of Polar Hydro Ltd (UK). The session was moderated by Karim Helal, President of Concord International Investment.

The event, attended by distinguished guests including Ambassador of Singapore to Egypt Dominic Goh, Ambassador of Türkiye to Cairo Salih Mutlu Şen, and Egypt’s former Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla, emphasised Egypt’s growing role as a strategic investment destination, particularly for British businesses.

Maged El Menshawy, Vice Chairman of BEBA’s Board of Directors, opened the briefing, welcoming the esteemed guests and reinforcing the importance of fostering UK-Egypt relations.

Strategic Vision for UK-Egypt Investments

In his remarks, Karim Helal highlighted the strategic significance of the event, noting the calibre of speakers and the pressing need for economic collaboration in light of the current global challenges. As the moderator of a panel featuring Saif Malik, Helal acknowledged the long-standing interest of Standard Chartered in Egypt, which culminated in the bank’s decision to officially enter the Egyptian market last year. Despite the country’s economic challenges at the time, Helal emphasised that Standard Chartered’s move reflects a long-term strategic vision, prioritising resilience and foresight over short-term opportunism.

Saif Malik, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Egypt, reinforced this sentiment, discussing the bank’s decision to scale up operations in Egypt. He emphasised Egypt’s vital role as a strategic gateway to Africa and highlighted the bank’s focus on green finance and infrastructure development as key drivers of future growth. Malik also underscored the strong trade ties between the UK and Egypt and expressed confidence in Egypt’s emerging role in sustainable finance.

Investment Climate and Reforms

During the session, Hossam Heiba, CEO of GAFI, outlined the steps taken by the Egyptian government to improve the investment climate. Heiba pointed out that although Egypt had faced setbacks due to global crises and regional instability, the country remains resilient and committed to comprehensive reforms. These efforts include streamlining administrative processes, implementing digital transformations, and fostering sectoral investment through tailored initiatives.

Heiba also addressed the regulatory framework, highlighting GAFI’s ongoing efforts to address operational inefficiencies and improve investor confidence. By introducing measures such as the Golden Licence programme and expanding technology and investment parks, Egypt is making strides in creating a more business-friendly environment.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as Growth Catalysts

Atter Hannoura, Director of the PPP Central Unit at Egypt’s Ministry of Finance, discussed the growing importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Egypt’s economic development. He outlined how the government is actively working to involve the private sector in critical sectors such as power, healthcare, and waste management, noting the shift toward transparency and efficiency in the procurement process. Hannoura emphasised that the government is prioritizing long-term partnerships with private sector players to drive sustainable development and growth.

Egypt’s Green Future and Technological Innovation

Dr. Alexander Shadrin, CEO of Polar Hydro Ltd, shared insights into his company’s $2 million solid waste management project in Egypt. Shadrin highlighted the country’s need for advanced technological solutions in areas such as carbon-based materials and land remediation. His company’s investment in Egypt focuses on developing innovative solutions to address environmental challenges, including the creation of intelligent pipelines and restoring agricultural land fertility.

Dr. Shadrin praised the Egyptian government’s strong support for technological innovation and long-term development, emphasising that the country’s commitment to future-focused projects aligns well with Polar Hydro’s goals.

The Future of UK-Egypt Relations

The discussions at the Breakfast Briefing showcased the growing optimism around Egypt’s economic transformation and its potential as a business hub for both local and international companies. Saif Malik reflected on his evolving view of Egypt, noting that firsthand experience of the country’s Vision 2030 has given him a deeper understanding of the vast opportunities available. He emphasised that Egypt’s strategic position, coupled with its Vision 2030 agenda, positions the country as a key player in the regional and global economy.