Egyptian officials pitch infrastructure guarantee facility to JICA to attract Japanese investment

Egypt, a key player in North Africa’s economic landscape, saw its Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom and Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty meet with Yuko Mitsui, First Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in Bangkok.

Meeting in Bangkok outlines cooperation goals

The encounter took place on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group gatherings, where the officials discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and attract Japanese investments to the Egyptian market.

A statement from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development said the talks centred on expanding development partnerships and creating a more favourable business environment.

Infrastructure guarantee facility and reforms highlighted

During the discussion, Rostom presented a proposed Infrastructure Financing Guarantee Facility (IFGF) intended to supply guarantees for national priority projects, thereby encouraging private‑sector participation.

The mechanism would focus on vital sectors such as seawater desalination, wastewater recycling, green transport, distributed renewable energy and the development of industrial‑zone infrastructure, aiming to cut carbon emissions and boost the productive and competitive capacities of investors.

Rostom also reviewed the government’s ongoing structural and economic reforms, pointing to recent tax and customs incentive packages designed to facilitate investment.

He stressed the need to broaden cooperation between JICA and the Egyptian private sector to open new avenues for joint investment.

Emphasis on Japanese expertise and investment prospects

Expressing appreciation for JICA’s role in supporting development projects and partnerships, Rostom underlined the importance of leveraging Japanese technological capabilities and expertise to support comprehensive economic development and execute projects that achieve sustainable growth.

He added that Egypt is keen to attract further Japanese investments, noting that the local market offers promising opportunities to diversify production centres and enhance the efficiency of supply chains.