Good afternoon, wonderful people. It seems that yesterday's slow news cycle was the calm before the storm. Today’s issue is packed with details of governmental incentives to localize the automotive industry, coverage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s visit to Athens, the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, and the US and China’s trade talks in Geneva.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

The government is putting together new incentive criteria and additional benefits for automotive manufacturers participating in the Automotive Industry Development Program in a bid to boost local component rates from 45% to 65%, a government source told EnterpriseAM.

The lay of the land: The revised incentive framework introduces a new methodology for calculating local component requirements and value-added metrics, according to a statement by the Industry Ministry. The framework will be presented to Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly before submission to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for final approval.

The revised program includes new customs concessions to speed up imported inputs for local manufacturers and sets minimum vehicle production targets, our source said. Program funds will be distributed to manufacturers through the central clearing system within three months following production, they added.

ICYMI- The Finance Ministry is considering exempting imported auto parts used in manufacturing from the 3% state development fee, to instead collect the fees upon commercial sales and during license renewal. The move comes amid other initiatives to help localize the auto industry, including an expanded EGP 3 bn AIDP.

HAPPENING NOW-

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is in Athens for a meeting with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, according to an Ittihadiya statement. El Sisi will co-chair the Egypt-Greece high-level cooperation council — focusing on energy, trade, and economic collaboration — alongside Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The President is also set to discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern with Greek officials.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following Delhi’s missile strikes: India conducted pre-dawn missile strikes earlier today on what it alleges were terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes killed at least 26 people and wounded 46. India launched the attack in retaliation for the 22 April massacre of 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam. In response, Pakistan has authorized its military to undertake “corresponding actions” in self defense. (Reuters | AP | CNN | The New York Times | BBC)

US and China to hold first formal trade talks in Geneva: Washington and Beijing are set to hold their first trade talks since US President Donald Trump initiated a trade war with China,. The meeting will take place in Geneva, Switzerland on Saturday, potentially marking an initial first step “toward resolving a trade war [that has been] disrupting the global economy.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who leads the Chinese delegation. (Reuters I FT I CNN I BBC)

Focusing on de-escalation rather than a comprehensive trade agreement: In a Fox News interview, Bessent stated that the high level of tariffs between the two economic powers “isn’t sustainable,” while emphasizing that these discussions would would focus on “de-escalation” rather than negotiating about a broader trade agreement (watch, runtime: 12:24). According to Reuters sources familiar with the matter, the talks are expected to address scaling down tariffs more generally. One of the sources indicated that the discussions will cover tariffs on specific goods, export restrictions, and Trump’s decision to eliminate duty-free exemptions for low-value imports.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Today’s warm but breezy weather is continuing into tomorrow in the capital, with temperatures expected to rise to 35°C throughout the day, and cool to 22°C at night, according to our favorite weather app.