Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, met with Alpha Lau, Director-General of InvestHK, to explore Hong Kong’s successful experience in establishing central financial and business zones, which has positioned it as Asia’s leading hub for investment funds and wealth management.
Heiba explained that Egypt’s newly drafted law for financial districts aims to create an integrated environment that supports financial institutions in managing investments and facilitating global trade, with the goal of positioning Egypt as a key investment center in Africa and the Middle East.
He emphasized the similarities between Egypt and China in terms of large domestic markets and the ability to absorb significant investment flows across various sectors, rather than merely redistributing existing ones. Egypt’s strategy focuses on attracting labor-intensive investments with high local content and an export orientation, targeting key sectors such as renewable energy, automotive, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, healthcare, and education.
Heiba stressed that the most decisive factor for Egypt’s success in becoming a regional hub for investment funds lies in the exceptional caliber of Egyptian professionals — economists, bankers, engineers, and entrepreneurs — who already manage some of the most prominent investment funds in Africa and the Middle East.
Alpha Lau highlighted that Hong Kong serves as a permanent bridge between China and the rest of the world, offering business-friendly tax regulations, streamlined procedures, and free trade agreements that facilitate global access for Chinese goods. These advantages have made Hong Kong the primary launchpad for Chinese companies expanding internationally, while also serving as the main gateway for foreign companies entering the Chinese market.
Lau revealed that Chinese companies are eager to invest in Egypt through Hong Kong-based investment funds, attracted by Egypt’s strategic location and exceptional export capabilities to African, Arab, and European markets. She confirmed that InvestHK opened a representative office in Cairo last year to support and expand this investment drive.
