Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, announced that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Egypt currently average $12 billion per year, with significant potential to grow further through ongoing economic reforms.
Speaking during a meeting with a Moody’s delegation, including Matt Robinson, Assistant Managing Director for Sovereign Ratings in the Middle East and Africa, and Alexander Bergisi, Vice President and Senior Risk Officer, El-Khatib emphasized that FDI is a key driver of Egypt’s economic growth strategy.
“The main indicator of growth in the coming period is not only traditional economic metrics, but the volume of investments entering the country,” he said. The government’s reforms aim to create a competitive, investor-friendly environment that could potentially double current FDI levels in the coming years.
El-Khatib outlined several measures supporting investment growth. On customs and trade, he highlighted efforts to reduce clearance times from 16 days to around five, with a target of just two days, generating annual savings worth billions of dollars.
He also emphasized the government’s digital transformation initiatives, which streamline licensing procedures and cut the approval process from 24 months to under 90 days through a unified investment platform.
The minister pointed to a clear sectoral focus, prioritizing energy, infrastructure, data centers, tourism, and modern industries to enhance competitiveness and maximize returns on investment.
He also stressed the importance of strategic asset management, with the sovereign wealth fund aiming to generate real value from state assets rather than simply holding them.
El-Khatib further highlighted Egypt’s geographic advantage as a bridge between regional and international markets, positioning the country as a hub for foreign investment. Tourism was identified as a key growth driver, with the government mapping investment opportunities along the North Coast and Red Sea, focusing on hotels and premium tourism projects to increase capacity and maximize asset returns.
During the meeting, Moody’s representatives praised Egypt’s ongoing reforms. Matt Robinson noted the importance of transparency, governance, and business environment improvements in attracting foreign investment and strengthening market confidence.
Alexander Bergisi commended progress in subsidy management, energy pricing, and digital licensing processes, noting that these steps support economic sustainability and reflect Egypt’s commitment to balanced, medium-term growth.
“The strategic reforms underway are creating a competitive investment environment that positions Egypt for stronger and sustained growth,” Robinson said, highlighting the positive impact on investor confidence.
