The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelaty, participated in a Friday roundtable meeting with leading Philippine business leaders and representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). A delegation of Egyptian business leaders was also present.
This meeting took place concurrently with the minister's participation in the 59th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Manila.
In his remarks, Abdelaty noted that relations between Egypt and the Philippines are gaining momentum, reflecting a general political will to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He characterized the Philippines as an important partner for Egypt in Southeast Asia and expressed Egypt's desire to expand economic and investment ties between the two countries.
The Minister analyzed recent changes in the Egyptian economy and presented structural reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and increasing competitiveness. He also highlighted major national projects that have modernized infrastructure and created a more attractive business environment. Promising investment prospects were noted in the Suez Canal Free Economic Zone, renewable and new energy, food industry, logistics, tourism, and the digital economy.
Abdelaty emphasized Egypt's strategic position as a gateway to African and Arab markets, pointing to the country's competitive advantages for investors. He also affirmed the commitment of the Egyptian government to strengthening the role of the private sector as a key driver of economic growth. The Minister called for expanding partnership between the business communities of the two countries, stimulating trade and investment, and activating contacts between Egyptian and Philippine companies to seek new opportunities and launch joint ventures.
The Foreign Minister further stressed Egypt's readiness to deepen ties with Asian nations and strengthen partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), citing the growing economic influence of the bloc and the opportunities it provides for mutually beneficial expansion of trade and investment cooperation.
During the event, Abdelaty witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen interaction between the business circles of both countries.
The roundtable included discussions with representatives of leading Philippine companies, during which Abdelaty outlined investment opportunities in Egypt and answered questions regarding the investment climate, economic reforms, and available incentives for investors. He assured that relevant Egyptian authorities are ready to provide all necessary support and resolve any issues faced by investors seeking to enter the Egyptian market.
Representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as leaders of leading Philippine companies, highly praised Egypt's economic progress and comprehensive reform program, expressing interest in exploring investment opportunities and strengthening cooperation with their Egyptian counterparts for further expansion of bilateral economic ties.
The Deputy for International Business Development of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization reported on negotiations regarding the participation of national wealth funds and national development funds of neighboring countries, BRICS members, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in the 18th International Exhibition of the Financial System, Investments, and Digital Infrastructure.
Amir Roshanbachesh, a representative of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization, noted at a meeting of the Steering Committee for the 18th International Exhibition of the Financial System, Investments, and Digital Infrastructure that the event was attended by representatives from structures such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, the Central Insurance Company, the Central Bank, the Association of Private Banks, the Assembly of State Banks, as well as the Securities Organization and Stock Exchange. The main goal of this meeting was to develop policy, plan, and coordinate the event at the highest possible level.
He emphasized that this 18th edition of the exhibition features a significantly higher level of participation from specialized institutions and organizations than previous years. There is hope that with the support of all interested parties, it will become the largest specialized event in this field. A series of diverse and specialized events are planned within the exhibition, where new products and services in banking, capital attraction, and investment spheres will be presented daily.
According to Roshanbachesh, the agenda also includes conducting specialized meetings with an international approach and the participation of foreign figures and relevant structures. This can contribute to strengthening international cooperation and interaction in areas related to the financial system and investments. The Deputy for International Business Development of the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization highlighted the importance of the active presence of international financial institutions, specifying that negotiations are underway with members of national wealth funds and national development funds of neighboring countries, as well as with member states of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to ensure their participation.
Roshanbachesh continued, mentioning the axes reviewed at the Steering Committee meeting. Discussions and exchanges of views were held on the most important issues concerning the country in the current situation, relating to the stock exchange, banking, insurance, and financing. The existing potential and priorities for the most effective execution of this event were also studied. He concluded by emphasizing that utilizing all available opportunities will ensure a grander and more successful 18th International Exhibition of the Financial System, Investments, and Digital Infrastructure.
