IN DEPTH: President El-Sisi Welcomes U.S. Business Delegation, Calls for Deepening Economic Ties and Industrial Cooperation
President El-Sisi meets with a delegation of top U.S. business leaders in Cairo to discuss investment and economic cooperation
CAIRO - 26 MAY 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has received a high-ranking U.S. business delegation attending the Egypt-U.S. Economic Forum in Cairo, in a meeting that underscored Egypt's strategic efforts to expand American investment and deepen bilateral economic ties. The delegation was led by Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and John Christmann, Chairman of the U.S.-Egypt Business Council and CEO of Apache Corporation — one of the largest American investors in Egypt's energy sector.
President El-Sisi welcomes U.S. business delegation as part of efforts to strengthen Egypt–U.S. economic ties.
Also present at the meeting were Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Eng. Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Egyptians Abroad Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Eng. Hassan El-Khatib. Private Session Highlights Strategic Vision
Ahead of the broader talks, President El-Sisi held a private meeting with Clark and Christmann, during which he reaffirmed Egypt's readiness to foster stronger partnerships with U.S. businesses across key sectors including energy, industry, infrastructure, and digital transformation. He pointed to the supportive direction of President Donald Trump's administration toward increasing bilateral corporate cooperation and highlighted Egypt's ambition to become a manufacturing and export base for American industries targeting Arab and African markets.
Egypt's President El-Sisi discusses investment opportunities with leaders of major American companies in Cairo.
President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt's strategic advantages — a large domestic market, geographic location connecting continents, and strong trade ties with neighboring countries — which collectively position Egypt as an ideal hub for U.S. production and regional distribution. Call to Establish a U.S. Industrial Zone in Suez Canal Economic Zone
One of the key proposals tabled by President El-Sisi during the discussions was Egypt's invitation to the U.S. private sector to develop a dedicated American industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). He stressed that the Egyptian government is fully committed to providing all necessary incentives and overcoming any bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate this vision.
El-Sisi: Egypt ready to become a regional hub for U.S. industries and a gateway to Africa and the Arab world.
The President described investment in Egypt as a "strategic opportunity" for global investors, citing the country's political stability, robust infrastructure, and social resilience — particularly the collective will of the Egyptian people to endure and support difficult but essential economic reforms implemented over recent years. U.S. Chamber Praises Strength of Bilateral Relations
In her remarks, Suzanne Clark hailed the enduring partnership between the United States and Egypt, stating that the presence of a large American business delegation reflects confidence in the Egyptian market and in the country's reform path. She highlighted the success stories of U.S. companies already operating in Egypt — particularly Apache Corporation — as proof of the mutual benefit achievable through closer cooperation.
President El-Sisi and American CEOs explore prospects for an industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Clark also noted that American firms in Egypt are not only turning profits but are contributing meaningfully to job creation, technology transfer, and development goals, aligning with Egypt's vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. President Reiterates Commitment to Economic Reform and Private Sector Empowerment
During the wider meeting with representatives from major U.S. corporations, President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to creating an enabling environment for foreign investment. He outlined the government's economic reform program, legislative adjustments, and infrastructure megaprojects, all of which aim to attract capital and improve competitiveness.
High-level talks in Cairo underscore commitment to expanding U.S. investments in Egypt's growing economy.
The President highlighted Egypt's readiness to welcome both new and expanding U.S. investments, especially in energy, green economy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and technology. He stressed that any concerns or obstacles facing American investors would be swiftly addressed through dedicated government support mechanisms.
El-Sisi also emphasized the state's policy to strengthen the role of the private sector in driving economic growth, underscoring the government's efforts to strike a balance between macroeconomic stability and inclusive development. Looking Ahead: A Deeper Strategic Partnership
The meeting concluded with a shared acknowledgment of the importance of enhancing trade and investment between Egypt and the United States. Both sides recognized the evolving global economic landscape and the need for resilient partnerships that generate growth, innovation, and mutual benefit.
President El-Sisi meets top U.S. business leaders, reaffirming Egypt's commitment to strategic economic partnership.
President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's appreciation for its longstanding partnership with the U.S., expressing confidence that stronger cooperation in business and investment would serve as a cornerstone of a deeper strategic alliance.
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