Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly urged business leaders to double their investments in Egypt, citing the country's lowest trade deficit in a decade and record non-oil exports as signs of a promising economic climate. Speaking at a meeting with export council heads and Investment Minister Hassan El-Khatib, Madbouly called on local and foreign investors to seize current opportunities.
In a meeting held on Monday, December 15, 2025, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the attractiveness of Egypt's investment climate, stating: “Double your investments… the climate is attractive… and the opportunities are vast and promising, so seize them.” According to Investment Minister Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt achieved its lowest trade deficit in ten years during the first ten months of 2025, with non-petroleum exports reaching a record $40.7 billion, pushing total trade volume to $107.6 billion. The deficit narrowed by 16% year-on-year to about $26.3 billion, driven by a $6.5 billion annual export increase that signals real growth in productive capacity.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as the top destination for Egyptian exports at $6.3 billion, a 142% year-on-year surge. Export councils forecast positive growth for 2026, with the ready-made garments sector expected to expand 28-30% supported by investments from Egyptian, Chinese, and Turkish sources, aiming for $4 billion in exports. Shipments to Turkey rose 71%, and to Saudi Arabia doubled, capitalizing on regional near-shoring trends.
In real estate, “exports”—sales to foreign buyers—are projected to rise 30%, fueled by demand from Egyptian expatriates and Gulf nationals, particularly in Ras El Hekma and Alam El-Roum. The $35 billion Ras El Hekma deal with UAE's ADQ sovereign fund, along with Qatari Diar's multi-billion-dollar commitment in Alam El-Roum, bolsters the North Coast's appeal to Gulf capital. The furniture sector launched a new factory in New Alamein city to supply IKEA globally, reducing import reliance. Food industries target 15-18% export growth, while agriculture aims for at least 10%, with 95% local components, aligning with the national economic development narrative to boost exports 20% annually through 2030.
Madbouly concluded by praising the private sector: “You took risks and succeeded… so seize the opportunity,” he said. “All economic indicators are positive.”