New investments lined up at Davos
The tally from Davos: Like that favorite uncle who comes home from abroad bearing gifts, the Egyptian delegation to the World Economic Forum has returned with some promising leads. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is investing EGP 1.6 bn in Egypt in the coming four years, said SDC director Manuel Sager following a meeting with International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr on the sidelines of the WEF to discuss the SDC’s investment strategy, Al Mal reported. Nasr had also met Visa’s vice chairman for risk and public policy Ellen Richey to discuss further cooperation in providing electronic payment services to the poor. Nasr also sat down with Siemens CFO Ralf Thomas to discuss the economic reform agenda, AMAY reports.
This comes as Ariston and K-Cap are looking to invest in Egypt, the companies’ heads told Trade and Industry Minister Tarek Kabil, according to Al Mal. Italian company Ariston will look into manufacturing its heating system products in Egypt, while petroleum and petrochemicals maker K-Cap wants to invest in Egypt’s fertilizer market. Meanwhile, Turkish retail giant Koç Holding is looking to expand in Egypt, Al Shorouk reports. At a sit-down with Investment Minister Dalia Khorshid, the CEO of the Koç — which owns the Beko retail chain — announced that it plans to open retail outlets nationwide. Khorshid also met with senior executives of Citibank, Credit Suisse, and Al Futtaim Group, who have expressed interest in participating in the ministry’s upcoming tour to promote investments in Egypt.