Arab Finance: Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Eissa met with a delegation from Italian banking group Intesa Sanpaolo to discuss expanding financial and banking cooperation between Egypt and Italy, as per a statement.

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid attended the meeting, while Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk participated via video conference.

Eissa highlighted the longstanding relationship between Egypt and Italy and the government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation across trade and investment.

He also expressed the government’s interest in attracting additional Italian investments by drawing on Egypt’s strategic location, domestic market, and access to Arab and African markets.

The government remains committed to supporting foreign investors and improving the competitiveness and attractiveness of Egypt’s investment environment in line with international practices, Eissa said. These efforts are intended to strengthen confidence among major international financial institutions.

Intesa Sanpaolo’s delegation expressed the group’s growing interest in the Egyptian market and its plans to expand its presence, particularly as the government continues implementing economic reforms.

The delegation described Egypt as a strategic market and a hub for strengthening Italy’s economic ties with Africa and the Middle East, saying this role could help attract further Italian investment over the coming period.

Both sides concluded the meeting by affirming their commitment to developing existing cooperation frameworks and exploring additional support for their partnership to expand banking and financial ties between Egypt and Italy.