AmCham Forum Showcases Business Opportunities in Egypt

From May 25 to 26, the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (AmCham Egypt), in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.-Egypt Business Council and the Egypt-U.S. Business Council, hosted the U.S.-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum in Cairo. This high-level forum brought together senior Egyptian policymakers and a delegation of over 75 American business executives representing more than 50 globally recognized U.S. companies. The event served as a platform for open dialogue on economic cooperation, investment opportunities and policy alignment between the two nations. It also marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to deepen U.S.-Egypt commercial relations, particularly in light of Egypt’s recent economic reforms and its strategic efforts to attract foreign direct investment.

The forum highlighted for an American audience Egyptian commitments to regulatory modernization, infrastructure development and targeted incentives for foreign investors. The presented business-friendly approach introduced industry stakeholders to new opportunities, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics and renewable energy.

Background

The American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt or “AmCham Egypt” was formed to strengthen trade and investment between Egypt and the United States. The organization offers direct communication between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations to further the interests of American businesses in Egypt. AmCham provides a forum for American and Egyptian executives to develop political and economic collaboration on issues including regulatory reform and infrastructure development.

The recurring U.S.-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum enables AmCham Egypt members to explore opportunities for further cooperation and investment between American and Egyptian businesses, with this year’s iteration serving as an opportunity for Egyptian policy leaders to highlight Egypt’s economic progress and emerging industries. Over two days, the conference educated American business executives about Egyptian markets, displaying the nation’s rapid advancements in modernization, capital development, digital transformation and financial inclusion.

This year, the forum highlighted benefits of investing in Egypt, showcasing its large consumer market, skilled workforce and strategic geographic location. The event also came as Egypt’s economic and monetary policy reforms have resulted in tangible results and heightened investor confidence. For example, reforms have included a prioritization by the government to privatize key sectors as well as a successful effort to implement a flexible exchange rate policy, stabilizing its foreign exchange market and enhancing resilience against international trade volatility. Moreover, the government has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, lowering its budget deficit, containing inflation and expanding its tax base. As of 2023, U.S. foreign direct investment in Egypt was over $13 billion; with these reforms, it is clear that there is ample opportunity for that number to be increased over subsequent years.

Recap and Outcomes

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a productive meeting with the U.S. delegation, where El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s goal to become an industrial hub for U.S. companies—offering access to its large domestic market and serving as a gateway to the Arab world and Africa. He underscored the country’s stability, economic reforms and commitment to supporting American investors with incentives and assistance. A major proposal to establish an American industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone was highlighted in his remarks.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark and U.S.-Egypt Business Council chair John Christmann acknowledged the strength of the U.S.-Egypt strategic alliance and praised the success of American companies like Apache Corporation operating in Egypt.

A key development from the forum was the finalization of a bilateral customs procedures agreement. The accord is expected to streamline trade logistics, reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency, particularly benefiting sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and consumer goods. This agreement represents a positive turn in trade relations complicated by the 10% tariff placed on Egyptian exports by President Trump as part of his global tariff campaign in April 2025, although the duty regime is currently suspended as courts hear arguments over its constitutionality. Total bilateral trade between Egypt and the United States totaled approximately $8.6 billion in 2024, making it the fifth-largest U.S. trading partner in the Middle East.

Speaking before the delegation, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted that there are over 1,800 U.S. companies currently operating in Egypt, with cumulative investments exceeding $47 billion over the past two decades. This substantial capital invested in the country underscores the depth and resilience of the American-Egyptian bilateral economic relationship. U.S. firms have established a strong presence across sectors such as energy, telecommunications, consumer goods and financial services, which have contributed significantly to job creation, technology transfer and infrastructure development. Moreover, this enduring partnership provides a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in emerging sectors like renewable energy, digital transformation and advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Prime Minister Madbouly announced a “historic” decision to permanently exempt U.S. exports of dairy products from being subject to Egypt’s halal certification requirements, a move that is expected to significantly reduce regulatory barriers and compliance costs for American dairy exporters. It is also emblematic of Egypt’s willingness to adopt pragmatic trade policies that support consumer choice and market efficiency. In parallel, Madbouly highlighted a growing interest from American car manufacturers in entering the Egyptian market, a development that could reshape the country’s automotive landscape. With Egypt’s large and youthful population, expanding middle class and increasing demand for personal mobility, the market presents a compelling opportunity for U.S. automakers. This interest could translate into new investments in local assembly plants, dealership networks and electric vehicle infrastructure, aligning with Egypt’s broader goals of industrialization and sustainable development.

Hossam Heiba, CEO of Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), announced during the forum that Egypt plans to issue “golden licenses” to U.S. companies, prioritizing key sectors such as manufacturing, health care, logistics, tourism and information technology. These licenses are designed to attract high-impact projects by offering a “single approval” mechanism that includes land allocation, construction permits and operational clearances. Several golden license recipients have already been announced and involve companies in the manufacturing and agro-processing sectors.

Additionally, Egypt’s Holding Company for Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals and Medical Supplies entered a strategic joint venture with the U.S.-based Dawah Pharmaceuticals Inc., marking a significant step in Egypt’s efforts to become a global pharmaceutical manufacturing and export hub. The partnership aims to produce a wide range of pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements that meet stringent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) standards. The venture will initially focus on exporting six FDA-approved dietary supplements to the United States, a first for the Egyptian Holding Company and will expand to include ampoules, sterile injections, ophthalmic solutions, pre-filled syringes and transdermal patches. This collaboration positions Egypt as a competitive exporter to both Western and emerging markets across Africa and Asia. It also serves as a solution to complicated pharmaceutical supply chains that have previously caused shortages of medical supplies in the United States.

Next Steps

The U.S.-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum showcases Egypt’s commitment to welcoming investment by American companies as a cornerstone of its strategy to enhance economic growth and resilience. Despite ongoing global trade uncertainties, the country continues to present promising opportunities across a range of sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. For U.S. companies seeking to expand internationally, these developments signal that Egypt is not only open for business but actively creating a more accessible and investor-friendly environment. At Brownstein, we bring a unique combination of experience, insight and strategic capability in navigating foreign markets. Our team is well-equipped to help clients identify opportunities, mitigate risks and thrive in dynamic international landscapes. Contact us to learn how we can support your global investment goals.

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