This came during Madbouly's keynote address at the US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum, which kicked off on Sunday.
In his speech, PM Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt’s deep-rooted partnership with the United States and underscored its commitment to economic transformation through private sector engagement and global cooperation.
Moreover, he praised the US business community’s longstanding role in Egypt’s development and called for renewed collaboration to meet current regional and global challenges.
"Egypt’s strategic relationship with the US is built on mutual respect and shared prosperity, underpinned by a decades-long history of productive cooperation," he asserted.
The prime minister highlighted Egypt’s growing role as a reliable and influential partner in the region, particularly amid the Middle East's evolving security and political challenges.
Madbouly also affirmed that Cairo and Washington's cooperation is based on a shared understanding that lasting solutions to regional issues require closer collaboration.
He reviewed the state's recent efforts to accelerate economic reform, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering the private sector as the engine of sustainable growth.
Madbouly also cited implementing the State Ownership Policy Document and introducing the Golden License system as clear signals of Egypt’s intent to reduce state involvement in specific sectors, improve transparency, and create a more investor-friendly climate.
He said these steps were complemented by major fiscal and monetary reforms, the digitalization of government services, and a stronger regulatory framework that promotes predictability and competitiveness.
In addition, he highlighted the country’s extensive infrastructure investments over the past decade, including highway expansions, port upgrades, increased energy capacity, and the development of the New Administrative Capital and 24 new cities.
He clarified that these projects were designed to diversify the economic base, enhance connectivity, and attract foreign investment, ultimately laying the foundation for a future-ready economy.
The prime minister also praised the creativity and drive of Egyptian youth, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship, describing the country’s human capital as a pillar of its development strategy.
He further underlined the surge in new startups and small businesses, supported by government investments in education, healthcare, and vocational training to ensure a skilled and adaptable workforce.
"Egypt’s Digital Strategy is driving modernization through the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data across key industries," he explained.
On 11 May, Egypt carried out two major regulatory reforms, a significant development for US businesses.
First, the country eliminated the requirement for US-origin vehicles to comply with mandatory Egyptian production standards, easing market entry for American automotive firms. This change has already been submitted to the World Trade Organization.
Second, it granted a permanent exemption for US dairy products and derivatives from halal certification requirements as of 12 March 2025.
The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture is also working to expand the number of companies authorized to issue health certifications and reduce related costs for exporters.
Additionally, PM Madbouly confirmed that Egypt and the US are in the final stages of completing a bilateral agreement on mutual assistance between customs administrations, which will further streamline trade and regulatory procedures.
The prime minister said that more than 1,800 companies operate in the Egyptian market, with total investments exceeding $47 billion.
"Egypt is ready to welcome investment, co-create industries, and develop innovations that benefit both nations," Madbouly affirmed to the American business community at the end of his remarks.
Deepening ties
Meanwhile, Suzanne Clark, president and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, reaffirmed the chamber’s longstanding commitment to deepening US-Egypt commercial ties.
Addressing government officials and business leaders, Clark also emphasized the critical importance of strategic partnerships in navigating today’s increasingly volatile global economic landscape.
“This forum marks a new milestone in our countries’ commercial relationship,” said Clark.
“From the founding of the US-Egypt Business Council in 1979 to today, we’ve seen a significant expansion in bilateral trade, now totaling $8.6 billion annually, and growing interest from the American private sector in Egypt’s economic future,” she added.
Clark also underscored the value of predictable partnerships as global risks continue to mount, including geopolitical instability, supply chain disruption, and technological transformation.
Citing a recent US Chamber research, she noted that references to global risk in public company filings doubled between 2010 and 2020 and between 2020 and 2024.
“In times like these, relationships and friendships developed over decades must be a source of stability and progress,” she said.
“To achieve shared prosperity, we must harness our commercial ties to find solutions to our greatest economic and societal challenges,” Clark stressed.
During the forum, participants will explore opportunities in digital transformation, energy cooperation, healthcare, AI governance, privatization, and tourism revitalization — sectors Clark described as “critical to Egypt’s economic trajectory and of great interest to American enterprise.”
“I am here to listen, to learn, and to bring your perspectives back to our headquarters across from the White House—so I can be an even stronger advocate for this relationship and its immense potential.” Clark concluded, expressing her commitment to championing the US-Egypt commercial relationship in Washington.
Unlocking new opportunities
During the inaugural forum, John J. Christmann IV, CEO of Apache Corporation and chairman of the US-Egypt Business Council, praised the strong and enduring relationship between the US and Egypt.
Christmann expressed his gratitude to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and the Egyptian government for their warm hospitality and hosting the forum, which he called “a milestone” in US-Egypt relations.
“This forum is more than a gathering,” Christmann said. “It represents the shared ambition of our governments and our business communities to deepen cooperation, unlock new opportunities, and build a future of mutual prosperity.”
Christmann also stressed Apache Corporation’s deeply rooted commitment to Egypt.
“Egypt is not just a place where we do business. It’s a place we’ve called home for more than 30 years,” he stated.
“We are proud to be the largest oil producer and the largest American investor in the country — a responsibility we take seriously,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Christmann hailed the company’s longstanding partnership with the Egyptian government, local communities, and its Egyptian workforce, highlighting recent milestones such as the new gas agreement that enhances economic competitiveness and supports the development of flexible supply models.
“The recent gas agreement demonstrates effective collaboration,” he said.
“It provides the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, under the direction of His Excellency Tarek El Molla, greater flexibility to develop supply models for the benefit of the Egyptian people and the wider region,” he continued.
Christmann also affirmed Egypt’s strategic importance, given its reform agenda, location, and increasing regional role in trade and energy.
He called on the public and private sectors to use the forum to explore new opportunities in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, digital innovation, and beyond.
“As Chairman of the US-Egypt Business Council, I’m proud to stand with so many distinguished leaders, both public and private, who are committed to advancing this vital relationship,” Christmann noted.
“Let’s use this moment to foster innovation, deepen our ties, and deliver real impact to our people,” he concluded.
The US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum will continue with panels and bilateral discussions to strengthen commercial, diplomatic, and strategic cooperation over the next few days.
Looking ahead
During a high-level discussion panel, the Ministries of Finance, Planning, and Investment showcased Egypt's efforts to empower the private sector and create an attractive environment for investors.
Minister of Investment and External Trade Hassan ElKhatib revealed that the government is poised to launch the Electronic Licensing Platform in June to simplify the procedures of issuing licenses for investors.
He also announced that the government will launch Egypt's Trade Policy in June. The policy targets making the country one of the top 50 trade competitors globally in three years.
ElKhatib said this policy is a key player in reaching Egypt's goals regarding increasing exports, explaining that the $40 billion of merchandise exports Egypt reached in 2024 represents only 10 percent of its GDP.
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