Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid Saleh, met with a delegation from the Chubu Economic Federation, representing 25 Japanese companies, at the ministry’s headquarters in Cairo to discuss expanding investment and trade cooperation, explore new opportunities for Japanese businesses, and support existing investments in Egypt.

The 2026 Japanese economic delegation included representatives from major companies and institutions affiliated with the federation, which comprises approximately 800 businesses, organizations, and economic entities. Participating companies included Chubu Electric Power, IBIDEN, Kajima Corporation, Shimizu Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Marubeni Corporation, and Nomura Securities, alongside All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), JTB Corporation, and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance. JTB coordinated and accompanied the delegation.

The meeting highlighted the experiences of Yazaki and Otsuka in the Egyptian market, while exploring investment opportunities in automotive components, pharmaceuticals, medical industries, healthcare, and tourism. Discussions also covered Egypt’s competitive economic advantages and the investment frameworks available to foreign investors.

Farid reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting Japanese companies throughout the various stages of their projects, including facilitating access to investment land, connecting investors with local partners, and addressing potential obstacles to their operations.

He noted that Egypt offers several investment frameworks tailored to different business needs, including free zones, investment zones, the domestic market, and the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The minister highlighted the advantages of operating within free zones, particularly streamlined customs procedures and access to export rebate programs, subject to applicable regulations and local content requirements. He also emphasized the Golden License, which simplifies the process of obtaining the approvals and permits required to establish investment projects.

Farid outlined opportunities for private sector participation in the development and operation of hospitals and healthcare facilities, as well as tourism and hospitality projects, through public-private partnership (PPP) models.

The meeting also discussed a proposal to explore establishing a dedicated integrated investment zone for Japanese companies in Egypt. The proposed industrial hub would aim to strengthen integration with local supply chains, facilitate technology and industrial expertise transfer, and expand production and export capacities.

Ahmed Bedeir, Managing Director of Yazaki Egypt, presented an overview of the company's operations and experience dating back to 1968. He noted that Yazaki, which specializes in automotive electrical components and systems, recorded global business turnover of approximately €15.4 billion in the previous fiscal year.

Bedeir highlighted Egypt’s attractiveness as an industrial investment destination, citing its strategic geographic location, skilled workforce, improving infrastructure, and incentives offered through free zones. He added that the company had achieved growth exceeding 30% during the current year and completed its project in Egypt, with operations scheduled to begin in February 2027. Yazaki also plans to expand its production and export capacities.

Ahmed Zaghloul, Managing Director of Otsuka Egypt, outlined the company's approximately 50 years of experience in pharmaceuticals, medical products, medical foods, and clinical nutrition. He also highlighted plans to strengthen production and exports while expanding the company's presence across Middle Eastern and African markets.

Representatives of the Japanese delegation discussed Egypt’s investment potential and competitive advantages, expressing appreciation for the support provided by the Egyptian government and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade to Japanese businesses.

Delegation members reaffirmed their commitment to sharing the investment opportunities presented during the meeting with Japanese companies, assessing potential new projects, and expanding existing partnerships. They also emphasized the importance of continued coordination with relevant Egyptian authorities and the Egyptian Embassy in Japan to strengthen bilateral investment and trade relations.