Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid opened the 2026 Egypt-France Business Forum in Paris, marking a push to convert strategic ties into concrete projects.
Monday, 2026 – Opening ceremony
Farid addressed more than 200 Egyptian and French firms and institutions at the Luxembourg Palace, noting the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
Economic backdrop
The minister cited challenges such as the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Russia‑Ukraine war, the Gaza conflict and Red Sea disruptions, which have affected global trade, energy and food prices.
Infrastructure and private‑sector investment
He highlighted a decade of state investment in roads, ports, energy networks, new cities and logistics, and said the private sector’s share of total investment has risen from under 40% to about 65%.
Foreign direct investment
According to a UNCTAD report, FDI inflows reached roughly $15.5 billion in 2025, making Egypt Africa’s top recipient and accounting for about 22% of the continent’s total.
Capital market growth
Farid noted the Egyptian Exchange’s market capitalisation grew from below EGP 300 billion in 2011 to around EGP 4.5 trillion today, with a broader investor base and higher activity.
Macroeconomic performance
He reported GDP growth of 5.1% in FY2025/2026 and unemployment falling to 5.8%, the lowest recorded level.