H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in the ministerial opening session of the Egypt-GCC Trade and Investment Forum, focusing on “Prospects for Trade and Investment Relations between Egypt and GCC Countries.” The forum reviewed investment environments, highlighted legislative reforms, and discussed strategies to strengthen public-private partnerships and regional economic integration.
The session brought together high-level officials, including Egypt’s Ministers of Petroleum and Labor, and senior representatives from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. It was chaired by Dr. Alaa Ezz, Secretary-General of the African and European Chambers of Commerce.
In her address, Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s deep historical ties with GCC countries, emphasizing mutual trust, shared vision, and complementary economic strengths. She noted that Gulf countries remain Egypt’s leading regional investors, contributing significantly to sectors such as energy, real estate, tourism, financial services, agriculture, and telecommunications.
“This forum comes at a critical time amid rapid regional and global economic changes, requiring deeper strategic partnerships to enhance economic integration and develop shared value chains,” Dr. Al-Mashat said.
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She outlined Egypt’s economic recovery, noting GDP growth of approximately 5% in Q4 FY 2024/2025, up from 2.4% the previous year, resulting in an annual growth rate of 4.4%. Key sectors driving growth include tourism, industry, and IT/telecommunications.
Dr. Al-Mashat also presented Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, which emphasizes:
1. Macroeconomic stability as a foundation for sustainable growth.
2. Structural transformation toward tradable sectors including industry, tourism, agriculture, energy, and IT.
3. Redefining the state’s role to empower and incentivize the private sector.
She highlighted initiatives such as the “Hafiz” platform, which provides an integrated digital bridge connecting private sector institutions with development partners, offering financial, technical, advisory, and capacity-building services. Since 2020, the platform has facilitated around USD 16 billion in concessional financing for the private sector.
Dr. Al-Mashat concluded by stressing the importance of institutional frameworks to activate Egypt-GCC cooperation and praised joint initiatives with the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain, which showcase shared expertise and integrated practices that can accelerate economic and investment partnerships.
“This forum represents a new step in strengthening Egypt-GCC partnerships, supporting an integrated and sustainable Arab economy based on innovation, investment, and capacity integration,” she said.
The forum reinforces Egypt’s commitment to deepening economic ties with the Gulf, leveraging regional cooperation to support sustainable growth, investment, and job creation across the Arab world.