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​Mr. Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones “GAFI”, participated in a panel discussion entitled “Strategic Reforms to Transform Egypt into a Regional Hub for Investments,” which was held within the events of the EU-Egypt Investment Conference. The panel discussion was attended by Mr. Gert Jan Koopman, Director General of the European Commission, Ms. Susan M. Lund, Vice President for Economics and Private Sector Development at the International Finance Corporation, Ms. Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Eng. Ahmed Elsewedy, CEO of Elsewedy Electric, and Mr. Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini Group. Mr. Heiba declared, during his speech, a comprehensive package of reforms and new investment incentives that aim to enhance the investment environment in order to transform Egypt into a hub for regional investments and attract more FDI, especially from EU countries. He reviewed a set of ambitious measures that are taken by Egypt to ensure its position as a leading investment destination in the region, in addition to the reforms that reflect the Egyptian government’s commitment to creating a flexible and efficient business climate that meets the needs of local and international investors alike. He pointed out that among the most prominent reforms are expanding the scope of free zones and investment zones, launching the Golden License framework that simplifies procedures for obtaining licenses and necessary approvals for investment projects, as well as developing a unified electronic platform for companies' incorporation. Additionally, there is a reduction in the required documentation for post-incorporation services. He explained that the government has approved several investment incentives for sectors targeted by the Egyptian state and of interest to European Union investors, such as green hydrogen and automotive industries. GAFI CEO stated that Egypt, with its strategic location, young workforce, and advanced infrastructure, offers promising opportunities for European companies in diverse sectors such as renewable energy, textiles manufacturing, information technology, automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, and food manufacturing. He emphasized that the new reforms undertaken by the Egyptian government will enhance Egypt's attractiveness as a regional investment hub, opening new horizons for economic cooperation between Egypt and the European Union to achieve mutual interests, particularly within the framework of the strategic upgrade of the Egyptian-European partnership, which enhances leveraging Egypt's potential to attract investments and achieve economic integration between Egypt and the European Union. Heiba also emphasized GAFI's keenness to enhance investment cooperation with the European side and provide full support to the European business community, enabling them to seize promising investment opportunities in Egypt and benefit from the exceptional privileges offered by the Suez Canal and trade agreements between Egypt and regional blocs in the area, positioning Egypt appropriately within the supply chains of the European Union.