The issued capital of newly established companies in the first half of February decreased by 50 per cent compared to the same period in 2010, according to data released by the General Authority for Investment.

The first two weeks of February saw the establishment of 122 companies with an issued capital of L.E 222.9 million which created 8,075 jobs.

Egyptians represented the majority of shareholders at about 80 per cent, while Arabs and other foreigners shared the remaining 20 per cent.