OPEN// Sisi says Egypt eyes becoming large industrial hub for American industries
CAIRO, May 26 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said Egypt looks forward to becoming a large industrial hub for American industries, especially as the country serves as a gateway to Arab, African and European markets.
Sisi made the remarks at an expanded meeting on Monday with an American business delegation participating in the two-day US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum, which kicked off in Cairo on Sunday.
The US delegation was led by President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce Suzanne Clark and President of the Egyptian-American Business Council and CEO of Apache Corporation John Christmann.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El Wazir, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Rania Al Mashat, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Hassan El Khatib.
Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy said that President Sisi first met with Clark and Christmann, as he expressed Egypt's willingness to cooperate with the US business community in all economic areas of common concern, particularly in light of the directives of US President Donald Trump to foster cooperation between Egyptian and American companies.
President Sisi added Egypt hopes for establishing an American industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), highlighting the Egyptian government's readiness to provide all necessary facilitation for American investors.
On her part, Clark said the US business delegation's visit to Egypt reflects the depth of strategic relations between the two countries, noting US businesses operating in Egypt are achieving tangible successes and contributing to the country's development process.
During his expanded gathering with the American business delegation, President Sisi stressed Egypt's keenness to strengthen relations with the US in different areas, especially in the economic, trade and investment ones.
The president briefed the US business group on the ongoing economic reforms in Egypt, which have significantly contributed to improving key macroeconomic indicators, enhancing productivity, and creating job opportunities.
President Sisi said the Egyptian government stands ready to remove any obstacles to ensuring the success of American companies and investors, given the State is working to give a more room for the private sector to advance economic development.
The spokesman stated that the meeting tackled cooperation in priority areas for Egypt, such as communications and information technology, artificial intelligence, the production of medical equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, auto, renewable energy, infrastructure and food production.
Some American businessmen expressed their appreciation of the Egyptian government's interest in improving the investment climate, emphasizing their keenness to benefit from promising opportunities in the Egyptian market, in a way that achieves the two countries' interests. (MENA)
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