A New Egypt for Investors

Egypt has recently been taking significant steps in the fields of industry and investment. The new programmes announced by the Ministries of Industry and Investment demonstrate the country’s determination to increase its production capacity and attract more investment.

In my view, one of the most important priorities of these initiatives is to make it easier for investors to establish factories and commence production. Offering industrial land under a rent-to-own model, simplifying licensing procedures and expanding digital services are important steps in this direction. This is because one of the most critical concerns for investors is being able to start production without losing time and money to bureaucratic procedures.

Another important issue is establishing stronger links between large factories and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many components and intermediate goods used in Egypt are still imported. However, producing some of these goods locally would create new business opportunities while reducing the country’s dependence on foreign imports. In my opinion, strengthening these industrial connections is essential for the development of Egypt’s manufacturing sector.

Bringing idle factories back into production is also a sound approach. Rather than establishing entirely new factories, making use of existing machinery and infrastructure can often deliver more economical and faster results. However, providing financing alone is not enough. The reasons behind each factory’s closure must be properly analysed, and solutions tailored to the needs of individual businesses must be developed.

I also consider supporting young entrepreneurs, technology investments and small-scale manufacturing facilities to be particularly important. A strong industrial sector is not built solely on large factories. Small businesses that supply components, provide services to major manufacturers and develop new technologies are equally fundamental to the industrial ecosystem.

The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade’s efforts to promote exports are also an important part of this process. However, in my opinion, Egypt’s primary objective should not simply be to attract more investment; it should be to transform that investment into sustainable production, employment and exports.

I believe there are significant opportunities for cooperation between Türkiye and Egypt, particularly in machinery, textiles, food processing, packaging, metalworking and automotive components. By combining Türkiye’s industrial expertise with Egypt’s manufacturing potential and access to regional markets, new opportunities can emerge for both countries.

Of course, achieving these objectives will depend on how quickly and effectively the announced programmes are implemented in practice. Investors need more than incentives; they also require confidence, predictable costs and a stable business environment.

My assessment is this: Egypt’s greatest opportunity lies not merely in establishing new factories, but in activating its existing production capacity, strengthening local businesses and transforming the country into a powerful manufacturing and export hub.