Monday, 25 May 2026
Sisi calls for stronger Egypt-EU economic ties at Brussels Forum
In a landmark step towards closer economic cooperation, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated today in Brussels in the high-profile economic forum held alongside the first Egypt-European Union (EU) Summit.
The event, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and senior Egyptian ministers, drew over 300 leaders and representatives from more than 60 European companies, alongside 100 Egyptian businesses and major international financial institutions.
Delivering remarks at the closing ceremony, President El-Sisi expressed his gratitude for the "historic opportunity to deepen the partnership between Egypt and the European Union," emphasizing that the EU remains Egypt’s largest trade and investment partner. In 2024, EU trade accounted for about 27% of Egypt’s foreign trade, and European investments made up 32% of its foreign direct investment stock.
President El-Sisi detailed the growing momentum of Egypt-EU ties, referencing the March 2024 agreement to elevate relations to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ and underlining shared ambitions for sustainable, broad-based economic growth.
Key discussion topics at the event included plans to establish a European investment corridor in Egypt, bolstering Egypt’s integration into European supply chains, and strengthening the role of the private sector in development. President El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s fiscal reforms and improvements to its business environment, which have already led to higher international credit ratings and economic growth—annual growth rising to 4.4% in the last quarter of fiscal year 2024/25.
The President also outlined Egypt’s unique location as an investment gateway to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, benefiting from extensive trade agreements and modern infrastructure. He assured investors of a wide range of incentives, including tax breaks, streamlined profit repatriation, a skilled workforce, and affordable energy, all underpinned by robust political and institutional stability.
President El-Sisi introduced the new "Egyptian-European Investment Platform" as a practical tool to boost European investment in priority sectors, encourage public-private partnerships, and respond to evolving European business interests.
Calling for deeper industrial and technological cooperation, President El-Sisi invited European firms to view Egypt not only as a promising market, but as a trusted production partner capable of hosting European manufacturing lines to serve regional and global markets efficiently.
"Egypt stands ready to be the reliable industrial and technological partner Europe needs for the challenges of tomorrow," President El-Sisi affirmed, urging further cooperation in strategic sectors—including pharmaceuticals, cars, energy (especially green hydrogen), digital technology, and logistics.
Welcoming all partners to visit Egypt to experience its dynamic investment landscape firsthand, President El-Sisi also called on the European Commission to expand financial guarantees and support technology transfer and industrial partnership, ensuring shared benefit and sustainable growth.
"This event marks a new beginning for fruitful collaboration and a brighter future for both Egypt and Europe," the President concluded warmly.