A series of roadshows that we have helped organize for clients in Asia this year have underscored how highly investors regard the future that exists for them in Egypt.

The most recent saw HSBC team up with the Egyptian General Authority for Investment (GAFI) to connect with investors, clients and government stakeholders in Singapore and China.

The mission showcased Egypt’s Vision 2030 sustainable development strategy at the Africa Singapore Business Forum and also at an event HSBC hosted in partnership with the Singapore Business Federation.

From Singapore, we headed to Beijing to meet with Chinese investors and corporates, working with our HSBC China colleagues at our China-Middle East Summit: Unlocking New Growth.

Building ties between Asia and MENA: This visit is one of a series being undertaken to drive and facilitate the very substantial business potential that exists in the trade and investment that flows between the two regions — and how our unique heritage at both ends of this business corridor gives our clients the most advantageous way to realize that potential.

The conversations we’ve had with colleagues and potential customers during these events highlights for me how important it is to have face-to-face discussions, presenting Egypt’s economic outlook, and showcasing the country’s potential in a wide range of sectors — be it mega projects and infrastructure, manufacturing, digital or sustainable and green technology.

GAFI CEO Hossam Heiba made clear to us that Egypt can be a magnet for Asian trade and investment, and we’ve already been witnessing this in our ports, railways, energy, power, and automotive sectors.

Stimulating investment: Egypt’s diversified economy, strategic location as a global gateway for trade for thousands of years, its large consumer market, and numerous national projects including the Suez Canal Economic Zone are stimulating investment, which underpins our belief in the country’s long-term potential.

These are exciting times on both sides as rapid transformation, energy transition and consumer spending drive tremendous growth.

Egypt has a strong track record of delivering on its commitments, including the economic reform program that started in 2016. The government’s program that targets a doubling of the private sector’s share in the economy over the next four years, while attracting bns of USD in investment, is indicative of the country’s continued ambitions for growth and development.

The Egyptian government’s reform package to boost investment on top of May's decisions by the Supreme Investment Council to boost direct investment in Egypt are commendable steps to improve the business environment and increase the country’s export growth.

With the right policies and investments in place, Egypt can become an even more attractive destination for foreign investment and a hub for regional trade and commerce.

Todd Wilcox (LinkedIn) is HSBC Egypt’s deputy chairman and chief executive officer. HSBC’s column in Enterprise appears every second Monday.

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