** #4 HSBC survey shows 63% of Egyptian businesses are optimistic: The majority of Egyptian businesses polled by HSBC see themselves succeeding in the current international trade environment as consumer confidence improves, inflation cools and the EGP remains stable against foreign currencies, according to HSBC Trade Navigator’s autumn poll on the private sector’s view on global trade. While 63% of Egyptian businesses surveyed are optimistic about their performance in the current climate, they are slightly less optimistic about the global trade environment compared to the global average of 78%.

Chief concern domestically? The regulatory environment: Although the reforms have helped improve metrics such as foreign direct investment and exports, only a quarter of businesses saw that regulations supported competitiveness while a third said they made doing business more costly.

Other concerns: Challenges such as unemployment and poor education continue to worry businessmen. 25% saw that the region’s current political environment would have a negative impact on their businesses.

Where are Egyptian businesses looking to expand? Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Algeria topped the list of countries into which Egyptian businesses are looking to expand.

Other findings: The report showed that 57% of Egyptian businesses saw that foreign governments were becoming more protective of domestic businesses as evidenced by the lack of export markets for Egypt beyond MENA and Europe. The survey also showed that 52% of Egyptian firms found free trade agreements helpful.

Read the full global survey on the HSBC Trade Navigator landing page or download the HSBC autumn poll on Egypt (pdf).