Egypt and Algeria hold the First Meeting of the Technical Committee to Enhance Investment Cooperation and Explore Opportunities for Investment Integration
The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) hosts the first meeting of the Egyptian–Algerian Technical Committee for Investment Cooperation.
The meeting was chaired by GAFI CEO Mr. Hossam Heiba, representing the Egyptian side, and the Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), MR. Omar Rekkache, representing the Algerian side. The meeting was also attended by GAFI Deputy CEOs Mr. Yasser Abbas and Dr. Dhalia El-Hawary, along with AAPI high-level delegation of senior officials.
GAFI CEO Mr. Hossam Heiba affirmed that convening the meeting marks an important step toward strengthening economic relations between the two countries and advancing investment cooperation to broader horizons.
He noted that Egypt is currently witnessing comprehensive strategic transformations in its investment climate, supported by an economic orientation centered on empowering the private sector, and by a package of reforms based on transparency, governance, and the rule of law.
Mr. Heiba highlighted the key reforms undertaken by the Egyptian government to improve the business environment, including the update of economic legislation; the development of infrastructure; the adoption of the State Ownership Policy Document; as well as GAFI’s efforts to streamline procedures through Investor Service Centers (ISCs); the provision of diverse investment incentives; customs exemptions; the establishment of the Golden License Unit; and the implementation of the investor guarantees framework, which enhances confidence and stability.
GAFI CEO emphasized the importance of deepening investment cooperation between Egypt and Algeria through information exchange, promotion of available opportunities, encouraging partnerships between the private sectors of both countries, and benefiting from Algerian expertise in the fields of manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.
In addition, Mr. Heiba urged Algerian businessmen to strengthen their presence in Egypt and explore promising opportunities, affirming GAFI’s readiness to provide all necessary facilitation, especially in light of the expansion of digital transformation services.
On his part, Mr. Omar Rekkache, thanked the Egyptian side for hosting the meeting, noting that its convening represents a real step toward enhancing bilateral relations between Egypt and Algeria.
He pointed out that Algeria is undergoing comprehensive economic reforms aimed at building a resilient economy capable of driving growth, within the framework of achieving political and social stability.
Furthermore, Mr. Omar explained that Algeria has recently focused on supporting productive sectors and lifting restrictions that previously limited foreign direct investment, praising the positive impact of the new investment law, which provides a clear and long-term vision for investors.
Mr. Rekkache further noted that Egyptian investments in the Algerian market are witnessing remarkable growth, with 21 projects registered for Egyptian investors, alongside several expansion requests, reflecting the success of Algerian institutions in providing a supportive and encouraging environment for investors.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yasser Abbas, GAFI Deputy CEO, gave a presentation on GAFI’s efforts to promote and attract foreign direct investment, noting that net inflows reached $46.1 billion during the fiscal year 2023/2024, and that Egypt ranked ninth globally as the top destination for foreign direct investment and first in Africa.
He also highlighted a 21.2% increase in newly established companies, bringing the total to 46,110 companies, in addition to expansions by 1,650 already operating companies.
The presentation covered competitive advantages, financial reforms, targeted sectors, investment incentives, and the new export cost reimbursement program.
Dr. Dhalia El-Hawary, GAFI Deputy CEO, pointed out that the investment opportunities available within the investment zones are real, fully developed, and ready for implementation, affirming GAFI readiness to provide all forms of support to investors.
The meeting also included presentations on the State’s efforts in the digital transformation of investment services, the Golden License, the investment map, and the digitization of the Investors’ Platform.
The Algerian side gave a detailed presentation on AAPI experience of implementing the one-stop-shop system for major projects and foreign investments, the decentralized one-stop offices, as well as the digital transformation of the investors platform.
A tour was organized for AAPI delegation inside the Investors Service Center and the Decision-Making Room at GAFI headquarters.
The Algerian delegation was also accompanied on a field visit to the investment zone in Benha City, where the delegation was briefed on the operating mechanisms and service management within the zone, in addition to Egypt’s experience in developing an attractive business environment.
GAFI gave a comprehensive presentation showcasing its experience in establishing and managing investment zones, the key implementation models adopted to enhance investment readiness, support investors, and provide aftercare services, as well as its efforts to promote entrepreneurship—reflecting the notable progress achieved in Egypt’s investment ecosystem.
The proceedings of the Technical Committee meeting concluded at the end of the second day with the signing of the meeting minutes and an agreement to hold the second meeting of the Technical Committee for Investment Cooperation between Egypt and Algeria in Algeria in 2026.
