Arab Finance: Qatari Diar’s Alam El-Roum investment zone has been inaugurated in Egypt, with Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh attending the opening of the Qatari-owned development, as per a statement.
Speaking at the event, Farid encouraged the developer to consider additional investments in Egypt and explore the incentives available under the country’s various investment frameworks.
The inauguration comes as private investment accounts for a growing share of Egypt’s total. Farid said the private sector’s contribution reached approximately 65% in the third quarter (Q3) of fiscal year (FY) 2025/2026, compared to a previous range of 40% to 45%. Private businesses also employ more than 70% of the country’s workforce.
Egypt would need to raise investment to around 25% of gross domestic product (GDP) to achieve economic growth of 5.5% to 6.5% in the coming years. Higher investment would help expand production and generate employment, he added.
He pointed to opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) across real estate, manufacturing, and construction, including fertilizers and building materials, as FDI inflows reached approximately $18 billion by the end of June 2026, with further growth expected.
Investment zones form part of the government’s efforts to attract domestic and foreign capital and extend development to local communities. Farid noted they simplify administrative requirements, help projects move forward more quickly, and create direct and indirect jobs. They also support business and service activities while making greater use of existing roads and infrastructure.
To improve the investment process, Farid stressed the need to simplify procedures and digitize government services so investors can monitor applications, licenses, and approvals electronically. These measures would improve transparency and service efficiency.
The Ministry of Investment is coordinating with the Ministry of Housing and other authorities to expand public and private investment zones, as well as free zones, he added.
Farid also acknowledged the work of the Cabinet’s Advisory Board, the Ministry of Housing and its affiliated bodies, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), and other entities in finalizing the Alam El-Roum project agreement.
