Issuer Name : EFG Hermes Securitization The Second Issuance - Fourth Program Tranche C January 2028
ISIN Code : EGB69561S375
Reuters Code : EGFIGRSC2P4C=CA
Interest Type : Fixed
Coupon Interest : 15.9 %
Coupon Amount : EGP 1.1786348416
Coupon Number : 28
Coupon Date : 29/01/2026
Coupon Payment Date : 01/02/2026
Notes :
Bond Redemption: EGP 5.8567895746

The extension aims to complete certain activities and reports at the conclusion of the joint program with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: The partnership with the OECD enhances the efficiency of public policies and the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy in line with the priorities of the “National Narrative for Inclusive Development.”

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation announced the signing of an agreement to extend Egypt’s Country Program with the OECD for six months, until June 2026.

Commenting on the extension, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, explained that the extension is intended to finalize a number of scheduled activities during the first half of the year. She emphasized the importance of the program at the national level, as it contributes to improving the efficiency of public policy formulation in line with the state’s priorities and political will to strengthen the economy’s structure. It also plays a role in raising Egypt’s ranking in international indices, thereby increasing its ability to attract foreign investment and creating a more competitive business environment. This aligns with the “National Narrative for Inclusive Development” and enhances the resilience of the Egyptian economy in facing internal and external shocks.

Al-Mashat noted that the program’s pillars are directly aligned with national targets related to economic growth, digital transformation, and good governance. She highlighted the strategic cooperation with the OECD, which resulted in a comprehensive and objective evaluation of the National Narrative for Inclusive Development. This evaluation demonstrated strong alignment between the narrative’s goals and the program’s outputs, as well as the OECD’s technical committees. It supports Egypt’s structural reform path, including clarity of the macroeconomic framework, focus on structural reforms, strengthening the role of the private sector, and promoting tradable sectors, alongside setting measurable and trackable quantitative targets.

The Minister explained that the program has already produced several important outputs, most notably the Review of Egypt’s Economic Performance Report, which provided a comprehensive assessment of the macroeconomy and fiscal policies, offering practical recommendations to improve the investment climate, support the transition to a green economy, and enhance labor market efficiency. Other outputs include the AI Policy Review Report, the Green Growth Policy Review Report, and the Entrepreneurship and SME Report, which reinforce the role of this vital sector in economic development.

She added that work is currently underway to finalize additional reports, including the Business Dynamics Review, which provides a detailed database on company characteristics and their role in innovation and job creation; the Productivity Enhancement Review focusing on the industrial sector and integration into global value chains; and the Higher Education, Innovation, and Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy Review.

Al-Mashat stressed that the Ministry attaches great importance to following up on what has been achieved under the program and incorporating the recommendations into Egypt’s structural reform agenda. She highlighted ongoing coordination with ministries and agencies to ensure effective implementation and maximize the benefits of all outputs. This effort contributes to consolidating the state’s drive toward structural reforms and sustainable economic development, through strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing integration across sectors, in line with the National Narrative for Inclusive Development and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Source: Al-Mal
The elections of the divisions of the
Building Materials Industries Chamber, chaired by Ahmed Hafez, resulted in a new formation of division heads, reflecting accumulated industrial expertise and a vision aimed at supporting sector development and enhancing competitiveness in the coming period.

The election results were as follows:

Hassan Gabry – Head of the Cement Division

Eng. Hossam El-Sallab – Head of the Ceramics Division

Kamal Gaber – Head of the Sanitary Ware Division

Hesham Abu El-Ezz – Head of the Pipes Division

Dr. Kamal El-Dessouky – Head of the Insulation Materials Division

Chemist Ali Singer – Head of the Refractories Division

Dr. Mohamed Khattab – Head of the Ceramics Division

Yasser Rashid – Head of the Quarries Division

Sayed El-Badawy – Head of the Marble and Granite Division

Mohamed El-Azaizy – Head of the Cement Products Division

In a statement, the Chamber emphasized that the election results reflect members’ keenness to select leaders capable of representing manufacturers’ interests, supporting national industry, addressing current challenges, and maximizing growth opportunities and exports, within an institutional framework of cooperation with the Egyptian Federation of Industries and relevant authorities.

Ahmed Hafez, Chairman of the Building Materials Industries Chamber, stated that the elections reinforce the principles of institutional and democratic work within industrial entities. He noted that the new formation reflects members’ confidence in the expertise of the elected leaders and their ability to effectively lead their respective divisions in the coming period.

Hafez added that the next stage will witness enhanced coordination among the different divisions, contributing to raising the competitiveness of Egypt’s building materials industry locally and regionally, and supporting expansion plans in exports. This aligns with the state’s direction to deepen national industry and increase added value. He affirmed the Chamber’s commitment to providing full technical and institutional support to the elected division heads to achieve these goals.

For the second time, projects under Egypt’s “NWFE” energy program continue to win international recognition. The Abydos 2 solar power project has been awarded African Deal of the Year at the PFI Awards 2025.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, stated that these successive awards reflect the success of the NWFE program as a national platform for coordinating efforts between government agencies, the private sector, and international financial institutions. The program mobilizes concessional climate finance and directs it toward strategic priority projects that support a just transition to a green economy and strengthen energy security, in line with Egypt’s national sustainable energy strategy and nationally determined contributions. It also supports the targets of Egypt’s Vision 2030 by accelerating the shift to clean energy, enhancing green investment, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Al-Mashat explained that structural and regulatory reforms implemented since 2014 opened the door for significant private sector participation in renewable energy, which in turn encouraged international financial institutions to inject investments and concessional financing into these projects. Egypt’s national energy strategy aims for renewable energy to contribute about 42% of the electricity mix by 2030, with a vision to increase this share to around 60% by 2040.

The Abydos 2 project exemplifies this integration. It is financed in part by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) through a USD 37 million loan, within a development partnership that stimulates private sector investment and supports large-scale clean energy projects.

The project combines 1,000 MW of photovoltaic solar power with 600 MWh of battery energy storage systems, enhancing the efficiency and resilience of Egypt’s national electricity grid and supporting the transition to a more sustainable and diversified energy mix.

Located in Aswan Governorate in Upper Egypt, the project is expected to generate more than 3 million MWh of clean electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of over 500,000 households, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

It is worth noting that in 2025, the Ministry announced that the 1.1 GW Suez wind power project—implemented by a consortium of local and foreign private sector companies under the NWFE energy program—won two international awards: Best Infrastructure Deal of the Year from African Banker magazine, and Best Energy Deal in Egypt and Africa.

Source: Youm7

Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, held a meeting with investors in the Mit Ghamr investment zone, attended by Major General Tarek Marzouk, Governor of Dakahlia; Engineer Mohamed El-Gousky, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones; and Dr. Ahmed El-Adl, Deputy Governor. The meeting was part of the Minister’s tour today of the investment zones in Benha and Mit Ghamr.

El-Khatib emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to listen to investor requests, noting that Investor Service Centers will provide all services directly in the governorates so investors no longer need to travel to the capital to complete their procedures.

He pointed out that the Temporary Licensing Platform currently offers 389 digital licenses and is being expanded to include fees and services, covering 460 procedures in total. He stressed that digital transformation is the core element for improving the quality of services provided to investors.

The Minister announced that in the coming weeks, the Egypt Trade Platform will be launched in cooperation with the Information and Decision Support Center. The platform will provide comprehensive information on trade and exports. In its second phase, it will be digitally linked to Egypt’s commercial representation offices—44 in total—ensuring integrated services for investors and exporters.

El-Khatib reaffirmed that the Ministry supports investor expansions and is committed to meeting their requests, coordinating with relevant ministries and governors to explore solutions for expansion needs.

He added that the Mit Ghamr investment zone is one of the distinguished zones, and efforts are underway to address challenges facing investors there, including wastewater issues, which the General Authority for Investment will resolve.

Governor Tarek Marzouk confirmed that the Mit Ghamr investment zone covers 18 feddans and hosts several factories aiming to expand and increase production. He stressed that the state and political leadership are committed to supporting investment and investors, and backing their plans for production and exports.

During the visit, the Minister, accompanied by the Governor of Dakahlia and the CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, toured an exhibition showcasing goods and products manufactured by factories within the Mit Ghamr investment zone.

The Mit Ghamr zone spans 18 feddans and includes 68 projects in engineering, metal, and other complementary industries, providing more than 1,600 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Source: Youm7

The number of registrations in the Movable Collateral Registry rose to 244,000 by the end of November 2025, with a total value of EGP 4.103 trillion, compared to 199,000 registrations worth EGP 2.92 trillion by the end of November 2024. This reflects a growth rate of 22.6% in the number of registrations and 41% in value, according to data from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA).

Banks accounted for 95.89% of the total value of registrations by November 2025, followed by leasing companies at 2.18%, international financing institutions at 1.44%, factoring companies at 0.19%, and others at 0.3%.

By type of collateral:

Commercial establishment assets represented 32.9% of the total value.

Bank accounts accounted for 37.4%.

Physical movable assets made up 26.2%.

Components included in the production of goods represented 3.5%.

The Movable Collateral Registry is a centralized electronic system for registering and publicizing security rights over movable assets. Through it, assets can be recorded, amended, or deleted.

Registered parties in the Movable Collateral Registry enjoy several advantages, including:

Easier access to financing secured by movable assets.

Reduced risks in lending and financing.

Lower cost of obtaining financing.

Simple and low-cost registration.

Debtors retain possession of movable assets used as collateral.

Overcoming the drawbacks of possessory pledges.

Expanding financing opportunities for SMEs in the absence of real estate assets or credit records.

The registry also grants priority rights to secured creditors over all other claims, even sovereign ones. It ensures creditors’ rights in case of debtor default, allows registration of movable collateral without requiring creditors to hold the assets, provides expedited litigation procedures to protect creditor rights, and establishes priority rules when the same asset is pledged to multiple creditors.

Source: Youm7

Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, held a meeting with investors during his visit to the investment zone in Benha, Qalyubia Governorate. The meeting was attended by Engineer Ayman Attia, Governor of Qalyubia; Engineer Mohamed El-Gousky, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones; and Major General Yasser Abbas, Deputy Chairman of the Authority.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that investment zones are being expanded and increased, as they are governed by boards of directors representing all state entities, which allows for faster issuance of licenses and decisions. He described them as successful models.

El-Khatib explained that the number of staff in Investor Service Offices across governorates will be increased to facilitate investor needs. He noted that the Temporary Licensing Platform is offering 389 licenses to accelerate the issuance of permits required to start business activities.

He added that the Ministry is keen to resolve any obstacles facing investors and to set clear timelines for addressing problems, with the goal of providing simplified services that help investors expand and increase production.

Governor Ayman Attia confirmed that there is full cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Investment and the governorate to ease procedures for investors and provide all necessary facilities for their success. He stressed the governorate’s commitment to ensuring access to essential services such as utilities, roads, and transportation networks within the investment zone.

During the meeting, investors presented their main requests for expansion and highlighted challenges they face, particularly in securing financing for growth and increasing exports.

In response, the Minister reiterated the commitment to setting specific timelines for resolving all investor issues and ensuring continuous follow-up until solutions are reached.

Investors noted that the investment zone provides all services in one unified location with representation from all relevant authorities, saving them time and effort.

El-Khatib, accompanied by the Governor of Qalyubia and the CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, also toured an exhibition showcasing products from factories located in the Benha investment zone.

The Benha investment zone covers an area of 46 feddans and includes 60 industrial projects in food, agricultural, and complementary industries, providing more than 2,800 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Source: Youm7

The periodic report of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) revealed that the number of beneficiaries and balances of financing for medium, small, and micro projects reached 3.6 million beneficiaries, with balances amounting to EGP 95.8 billion by the end of November 2025, compared to 3.7 million beneficiaries with balances of EGP 75.4 billion at the end of November 2024.

According to the report:

Beneficiaries of microfinance reached 3.575 million, with balances of EGP 71.2 billion by November 2025, compared to 3.716 million beneficiaries with balances of EGP 61.4 billion by November 2024.

Beneficiaries of medium and small project financing reached 16,200, with balances of EGP 24.5 billion by November 2025, compared to 10,300 beneficiaries with balances of EGP 14.1 billion by November 2024.

Microfinance refers to financing for productive, service, or commercial economic purposes within the limits set by the FRA’s board of directors. It is considered a key tool for encouraging low-income groups to participate in economic activity. Access to diverse financing tools for individuals and micro-enterprises helps reduce unemployment, improve household incomes for the poorest families, and positively impacts investment and employment growth in the national economy.

The FRA aims to double the size of microfinance from EGP 27 billion at the end of 2021 to EGP 50 billion by the end of 2026 under its 2022–2026 strategy. The plan includes expanding the microfinance base and doubling the number of beneficiaries from around 3.5 million to 4.5 million by 2026.

To achieve this goal, the FRA intends to launch an initiative to stimulate financing of value chains in the micro-agricultural sector, encouraging farmers to participate in marketing groups for their high-yield crops. The initiative will be supported by integration with other financial services such as micro-insurance coverage, which will enhance its effectiveness. The FRA also plans to adopt initiatives with relevant stakeholders to support and develop institutions in category (C).

Source: MENA

Middle East News Agency (MENA)

Natural gas inventories fell by 71 billion cubic feet last week.

According to the latest report issued by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), this decline was smaller than the expected drop of 89 billion cubic feet, indicating stronger demand for this energy resource than initially anticipated. The actual decline was also less than the previous week’s drop of 119 billion cubic feet.

This suggests potential stability in the energy sector, as demand continues to outpace supply but at a slower pace than in earlier periods.

The report noted that natural gas inventories are a critical indicator of the health of the energy sector, particularly in Canada, given the size of its energy industry.

The inventory report measures changes in the amount of natural gas stored underground during the past week. When increases in inventories exceed expectations, it signals weak demand, which negatively impacts natural gas prices. Conversely, when increases are smaller than expected, it indicates stronger demand, which is a positive sign for prices. The same logic applies to declines in inventories—whether larger or smaller than expected.

In this case, the smaller-than-expected decline in natural gas inventories points to positive expectations for natural gas prices.

The EIA report provides valuable insights into energy market dynamics, with current data showing strong demand for natural gas.

This development could have significant implications for energy companies and investors, as well as for broader economic forecasts—particularly in energy-dependent economies such as Canada.

As part of the first pillar of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ strategy—aimed at increasing production rates and intensifying drilling and exploration programs—Khalda Petroleum, General Petroleum Company, and Desouq Petroleum have successfully drilled several productive wells in their concession areas in the Western Desert, Eastern Desert, and Nile Delta. These include five new exploratory wells, adding about 47 million cubic feet of gas and 4,300 barrels of oil and condensates per day.

Khalda Petroleum achieved three new oil and gas discoveries:

Well WKAN-X W-2X in West Kanayes development.

Well TAYIM W-13X in West Kalabsha development.

Well TUT-29 (ST1) in Khalda development.

Tests showed production rates of about 2,550 barrels of oil and condensates per day, and around 29 million cubic feet of gas per day. These wells are planned to be tied into production soon, while continuing to evaluate reserves and added resources.

Meanwhile, Desouq Petroleum, in partnership with Harbour Energy, successfully drilled the appraisal well Az-2 in the Desouq development in the Nile Delta. Electrical logging confirmed a gas-bearing sandstone layer in the Abu Madi reservoir with a thickness of 23 meters.

The Az-1 discovery has already been connected to production at a rate of 10 million cubic feet of gas per day and 500 barrels of condensates per day, with preparations underway to connect Az-2 as well.

The state-owned General Petroleum Company also succeeded in bringing new wells online in both the Western and Eastern Deserts, with production rates estimated at 8 million cubic feet of gas and more than 1,250 barrels of oil and condensates per day.

Well GPR-3 was connected to production at 8 million cubic feet of gas and 250 barrels of condensates from the Bahariya formation for the first time in the new GPR field. It was tied into the condensate separation station in Abu Sennan in record time—just two days.

Well Kharaza-5 in the Eastern Desert was connected to production at about 1,000 barrels per day. This well resulted from seismic surveys conducted by United Energy, the company responsible for operations in the field.

El-Mashat: Investing in people and artificial intelligence is a cornerstone for enhancing nations’ competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most important global public goods, and must be harnessed to boost productivity and develop the global economy.

The “National Narrative for Inclusive Development” includes clear pillars to link education with future jobs and strengthen labor market efficiency.

Egypt possesses vast human resources and is working to develop its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in the Harvard University Middle East and Africa Alumni Summit 2026, held at the Grand Egyptian Museum. The event was attended by Mr. Hisham El-Khazindar, co-founder and managing director of Qalaa Holdings, along with university leaders and alumni from across the Middle East and Africa. The summit was held under the theme: “AI Governance and Safety: Building Ethical and Secure Systems in the Middle East and Africa.”

In her speech, Dr. Al-Mashat welcomed Harvard alumni to the Grand Egyptian Museum, describing it as a civilizational achievement and a global landmark that represents a pioneering model of multilateral cooperation and Egyptian-Japanese partnership. She noted that the museum’s global opening sparked renewed interest not only in Egyptian tourism but also in ancient Egyptian civilization, hieroglyphics, and timeless knowledge.

She explained that the world is undergoing a delicate transformation marked by rising protectionist policies and a real test of the multilateral system, which requires countries to strengthen their competitiveness and make optimal use of available resources—foremost among them human capital.

Al-Mashat emphasized that artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human talent but rather a tool to empower it, by raising productivity, improving job quality, and creating new forms of value. She highlighted Egypt’s second national AI strategy (2025–2030), which strongly focuses on developing human capital and future skills.

She pointed out that international discussions—particularly at the World Bank, IMF, and the upcoming Davos Forum—are increasingly centered on the concept of global public goods, which enable countries to achieve national goals while contributing to global systems and values that extend beyond economics to include human values.

Al-Mashat stressed that AI is one of the most prominent global public goods of our era, and that equipping populations with future skills and jobs directly enhances global productivity and competitiveness. She noted that Egypt recently launched the “National Narrative for Inclusive Development,” which includes a dedicated pillar for the labor market and future jobs, linking them to AI and centers of excellence.

She highlighted Egypt’s strengths beyond its ancient civilization and strategic location—namely its youth. The country has a demographic dividend that it seeks to leverage not only for the national economy but also for global economic contribution.

The Minister added that Egypt has a strong innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with startups applying AI in diverse fields such as fintech, healthcare solutions, and logistics. This has helped Egypt achieve an advanced position in innovation across Africa and the region.

She also noted that the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation chairs Egypt’s ministerial group on entrepreneurship, based on the conviction that startups are a strategic driver for restructuring the economy and creating high-quality jobs. Policymakers in Egypt recognize that economic reform is a continuous process with no ceiling, requiring maximum transparency and an integrated approach across ministries and agencies to ensure effective implementation.

Al-Mashat referred to ongoing improvements in macroeconomic indicators despite regional challenges, with Egypt’s economy recording 5.3% growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Growth was driven by technology- and labor-intensive manufacturing industries, as well as the ICT sector, which is a leading contributor to GDP, alongside rapid growth in e-commerce. She also noted that tourism is currently achieving record levels, with positive expectations for future growth.

She concluded her remarks by expressing Egypt’s pride in Harvard alumni working across various fields in the country—in public policy, business, and innovation—reiterating her welcome to the Grand Egyptian Museum and her anticipation of hosting them again in Egypt in the future.

Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, conducted an inspection tour of the investment zone in Mit Ghamr, accompanied by Major General Tarek Marzouk, Governor of Dakahlia, and Engineer Mohamed El-Gousky, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones. The tour included a visit to an exhibition showcasing products from factories in the Mit Ghamr investment zone, featuring items from Al-Amer Electrical Industries and several other factories operating across diverse industrial sectors. The initiative aims to support national industry and enhance export opportunities.

The Minister also inspected several factories in the zone, including Tiba El-Aidi Housewares Factory, which achieves annual exports estimated at around USD 4 million. Its products reach European markets such as Belgium and Spain, as well as African markets including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan. The factory has participated in multiple international exhibitions, most recently in China and Sudan, and won first place in 2025.

He reviewed products from MTA Factory, specialized in manufacturing root canal filling materials in the medical products sector, in addition to inspecting Alpha Omega, Tabarak, Baby Check, and Perfect Quality factories, all of which operate in medical products and laboratory equipment—reflecting the diversity of the industrial base in this vital sector.

In the chemical industries field, the tour included Al-Tarakom Factory for detergents and disinfectants, as well as Andalus Factory for cosmetics, disinfectants, and detergents. The latter achieves average exports of about USD 100,000, with expectations to rise to USD 300,000 by the end of the year. It currently exports to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand into Libya and Sudan.

The tour also covered several other industrial facilities, including Nahas Center for manufacturing electric spotlights, ELC for producing televisions, and Ready Range for electrical industries and investment. The Minister further inspected Tiratec Factory, specialized in composite reinforcement bars, and Dawood Factory for cooling tools used in manufacturing condensers and evaporators. He reviewed the capabilities of these factories and their role in supporting local industry supply chains.

After inspecting the Fustat Hills Gardens project, Engineer Sherif El-Sharbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, held a meeting at the Maspero Triangle Authority headquarters to review the implementation status of the Maspero Triangle development project, as well as the projects for the Magra El-Oyoun Wall, Azbakeya Garden, and the Fencing Club in Cairo Governorate. The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry, the New Urban Communities Authority, and the heads of the Maspero, Magra El-Oyoun, and Imbaba Airport development authorities.

The meeting addressed the progress of the Maspero Triangle development project, which includes:

A basement (underground garage) with an area of 19,220 m², capacity of 353 cars.

A ground floor (commercial) with an area of 16,970 m².

A first floor (upper garage) with an area of 15,800 m², capacity of 280 cars.

Two residential towers for alternative housing with 936 units, already allocated to eligible residents.

A third tower with 23 floors, totaling 134 units.

A fourth tower (administrative), consisting of a basement, ground floor (commercial), and 15 repeated floors.

The meeting also discussed the Nile Maspero Towers project, which includes three residential towers, each 30 floors high. These towers are built on a podium of three floors (ground, first, and second), housing commercial, administrative, and recreational activities. The project also includes three basement levels with parking for 1,272 cars, public services for the buildings, and a power station with a capacity of 80 megawatts serving the Maspero area.

El-Sharbiny reviewed the revival project of Azbakeya Garden, which encompasses the lake, the historic fountain, the Roman theater, pergolas, cafeteria, restaurant, fences, and other features. The works are divided into three axes: preserving heritage trees of value, renewing certain components such as the historic fountain, and reviving the lake, open-air theater, cafeteria building, fences, and heritage pergolas. He also followed up on the rehabilitation works of the Fencing Club building, which directly overlooks the garden.

The meeting further addressed the development of the Magra El-Oyoun Wall area, part of the state’s efforts to upgrade existing urban areas. The project includes 79 residential buildings with 1,924 housing units, in addition to a hotel and a mixed-use commercial, administrative, and entertainment mall with restaurants, cinemas, and an open-air theater.

During his presence at the Maspero Triangle Authority headquarters, Minister Sherif El-Sharbiny met with several residents eligible for alternative housing under the Maspero Triangle development project. He listened to their demands and suggestions, affirming that all necessary facilities will be provided. He directed that all residents’ requests be documented and resolved immediately.

Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, and Major General Tarek Marzouk, Governor of Dakahlia, held a press conference following their tour of the investment zone in Mit Ghamr city.

The Minister stated that his visit to the investment zone in Dakahlia comes within the framework of field monitoring of the performance of successful investment zones. He noted that the meeting with investors was positive and addressed real issues related to improving the business environment and supporting industrial expansions.

He explained that the Ministry, in coordination with Dakahlia Governorate and the investment zone’s board of directors, is committed to immediately addressing any problems investors may face, particularly those related to infrastructure and electricity supply. He emphasized that the number of problems is limited and that they are being resolved in a practical and organized manner. El-Khatib pointed out that the state has made significant progress in developing investor services, noting that investors no longer need to travel to Cairo to complete their procedures. All services are now provided through Investor Service Centers affiliated with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, spread across various governorates and digitally linked to the main centers to facilitate communication and speed up problem-solving.

The Minister also addressed investor demands for expansion, noting that the tour revealed a genuine desire among existing factories to increase their production capacity. This requires the provision of new industrial and investment zones of high quality. He confirmed that this matter is under study in coordination with the governorate to explore available alternatives.

In his concluding remarks, the Minister stressed that the Ministry’s primary role is to serve serious investors and create a competitive investment climate. He affirmed the continuation of field tours and direct listening to investors to ensure that challenges are transformed into real growth opportunities.

For his part, Governor Tarek Marzouk emphasized that the governorate is working in full coordination with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade to overcome various obstacles that factories may face, whether related to utilities, roads, or other operational challenges. This, he said, supports production continuity and encourages industrial expansion.

The Governor explained that the main goal is to support serious factories and increase production rates, noting that every new factory or industrial expansion directly translates into real job opportunities and improved living standards for many families. He confirmed the governorate’s ongoing efforts to remove obstacles and support investors in their expansion plans during the coming period.

Source: Al-Mal

Major General Engineer Amr Abdel Moneim Mostafa, Chairman of the Upper Egypt Development Authority, inaugurated the 11th International Exhibition and Conference for Agricultural Supplies “Agri Expo 2026,” which is considered one of the most prominent specialized events in the field of agricultural supplies and technologies.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Alaa Azzouz, Head of the Agricultural Extension Sector and Chairman of the Union of Producers and Exporters of Horticultural Crops at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Dr. Ahmed Ozzam, Head of the Agricultural Services Sector; Dr. Hani Darwish, Chairman of the General Authority for Land Improvement; and Dr. Yasser Abdullah, Head of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority at the Ministry of Environment, along with several leaders from relevant ministries and members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The event also witnessed the participation of representatives from the diplomatic missions of Turkey, Cameroon, Rwanda, Greece, Uganda, and Mali, as well as a distinguished group of experts, specialists, and professionals in the agricultural sector.

The Upper Egypt Development Authority is participating in the exhibition as the official sponsor of “Agri Expo 2026,” through a dedicated pavilion showcasing a range of agricultural products and value-added products derived from crops produced within the Authority’s projects across various governorates of Upper Egypt. This comes within the framework of supporting value chains and maximizing the economic return from agricultural resources.

The exhibition is being held from January 17 to 19, 2026, at the Cairo International Conference Center in Nasr City. It aims to support the state’s efforts in developing the agricultural sector and promoting the use of modern technologies, thereby contributing to agricultural development.