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Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Investors don’t need to be bearish on Egypt anymore, says Naguib

Investors don’t need to be bearish on Egypt anymore, says Naguib: Investors should no longer be cautious when entering the Egyptian market now that the EGP float solved the country’s “biggest challenge,” Naguib Sawiris said in an interview with CNBC. “Investors are getting the [funds] in and out, dividends, are being paid, the USD is stable at a very beneficial rate.” Demand on Egyptian assets is on the rise and sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy are ripe for investment, Naguib said. The business tycoon also noted that he relies partially on investing in gold mining as a “safe haven” investment that helps to offset geopolitical risks.

He denied regretting he invested in North Korea to establish Koryolink — Orascom Telecom’s JV with the Pyongyang government — and instead played it off as a solid long-term investment that will reap bns once North and South Korea reach a unity agreement. We can’t imagine how since the DPRK regime took full control of the company, established a rival state-owned firm, and has even allegedly been hacking OTMT for corporate secrets. Naguib stressed that he is nonetheless a firm believe that “one should always try and invest in democratic regimes” to avoid being “under the mercy of the ruler,” which is why he is staying away from investing in Russia.

On the political side, Sawiris praised US President Donald Trump for launching airstrikes in Syria and being more proactive than predecessor Barack Obama. You can catch him at his best Henry Kissinger impression here (watch, runtime: 3:51) and here (watch, runtime: 1:28).

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