Investment Minister Opens Egypt-France Business Forum in Paris with Participation of Over 200 Companies and Institutions

Cairo – Nadeh Imam: Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, opened the Egypt-France Business Forum 2026 yesterday at the Luxembourg Palace in Paris, the seat of the French Senate. The event brought together 200 companies and institutions from the Egyptian and French sides, with the attendance of several French officials, representatives of the business community, and investment and financial institutions.

The minister emphasized that the forum takes place at a crucial stage in the trajectory of Egyptian-French relations, particularly in light of elevating ties between the two countries to the level of a strategic partnership. He noted that the current phase aims to translate political and economic relations into concrete investments, partnerships, and projects.

Dr. Mohamed Farid outlined the developments witnessed by the Egyptian economy in recent years, explaining that the past period saw economies and markets face challenges and shocks, including the coronavirus pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, the war in Gaza, and disruptions to navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. These events had direct impacts on global trade, energy and food prices, supply chains, and capital flows.

The minister stressed that, despite the repercussions of tensions and crises, the Egyptian government continued to build, reform, and invest in the future. He pointed out that the government implemented significant investments to enhance and develop infrastructure over the past decade, contributing to the improvement of roads, ports, energy networks, new cities, and the logistics system, serving as a supportive foundation for a more productive and export-oriented economy.

Dr. Mohamed Farid clarified that the most important aspect of the current stage is the rise in the private sector’s share of total investments, which has increased from less than 40% in a previous phase to approximately 65% currently. This reflects a shift toward an economic model that grants the private sector a larger role in leading investment, production, exports, and job creation.

The minister noted that indicators of foreign direct investment (FDI) reflect this transformation. According to UNCTAD, FDI inflows to Egypt reached approximately $15.5 billion in 2025, making Egypt the largest African country in attracting FDI, accounting for about 22% of total flows directed to the African continent.

The minister also addressed the development of the Egyptian capital market, noting that the market capitalization of the Egyptian Exchange rose from less than EGP 300 billion in 2011 to approximately EGP 4.5 trillion currently, alongside an expansion of the investor base and increased market activity.