KUWAIT: Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, affirmed Tuesday that Kuwait is not merely an economic partner, but a strategic ally of Egypt. His remarks came during a visit to the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), in the presence of Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.
El-Wazir highlighted the deep-rooted and exemplary political and economic ties between the two countries, praising the efforts of both governments in fostering business collaboration and promoting integration between public and private sectors. He emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation with Kuwait, citing its robust investments and strategic capabilities as key to unlocking new joint markets. He also noted the existence of an ambitious initiative to establish an integrated industrial zone shared between Egypt and Kuwait. The minister lauded the role of Kuwaiti businesspeople in strengthening economic relations with Egypt and expressed hopes for increased Kuwaiti investments, particularly in integrated industrial cities and infrastructure projects. For his part, Assistant Director General of KCCI, Firas Al-Odah, noted that the visit reflects the strength of bilateral relations and underscores a shared vision for economic renaissance and sustainable development. He commended Egypt’s recent strides in infrastructure development, particularly in the transport sector, describing it as the backbone of progress.
Al-Odah also pointed to the Kuwaiti private sector’s continued interest in the Egyptian market. He noted that Kuwaiti investments in Egypt are the largest among Gulf states, with around 1,500 Kuwaiti companies currently operating in various sectors. The total volume of Kuwaiti investment in Egypt has reached approximately $20 billion, with strong potential for further growth amid the country’s expanding investment opportunities. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to facilitating cooperation between the business communities of both countries, aiming to promote mutual growth, development, and prosperity.
Ambassador Shaltout also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for the role of the Kuwaiti private sector and investors in supporting Egypt’s economy. He reiterated the Egyptian business community’s eagerness to form strategic investment partnerships with Kuwaiti companies, further deepening economic ties. On the sidelines of the visit, a Kuwaiti-Egyptian investment forum was held with the participation of 17 Egyptian companies from diverse sectors, alongside representatives from the Kuwaiti business community. — KUNA