British trade envoy lauds Egypt's economic policies

Hassan El-Khawaga

CAIRO, July 31st (SEE) - British Trade Envoy to Egypt Jeffrey Donaldson hailed on Monday the economic reform polices taken by the Egyptian government.

During a meeting with a number of Egyptian reporters on the fringe of his current visit to Cairo, he said Britain will continue supporting Egypt in various domains, especially the economic and educational sectors.

He also commended President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's decisions at the concluding session of the 6th National Youth Conference including announcing 2019 as the year of education.

"Britain supports President Sisi's goals in the field of education," Donaldson noted, adding that his country would boost communication between the Egyptian and British universities, as London wants more Egyptians to benefit from British education and expertise.

Donaldson said that he will continue talks with the Egyptian officials on investments, increasing the volume of trade and the number of British companies in Egypt.

He pointed out that last year was successful for Egyptian-British relations, as Britain maintained its position as the biggest trade partner of Egypt's with investments exceeding $43 billion. "Up to 40% of direct investments in Egypt are from Britain," noted the British trade envoy.

Donaldson, during his current visit, will hold talks with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli and a number of ministers as well as officials of the General Authority For Investment and Free Zones.

He revealed that a new work group has been formulated from both sides to foster cooperation between the British Embassy here and the Egyptian side to lure more investments.

Commenting on resuming British flights to Sharm El Sheikh city, Donaldson said "there is a noticeable increase in the number of British tourists visiting Egypt," pointing out that there are about 43 flights between Cairo and London per week. Shedding light on Brexit, the British official said his country will focus on bolstering trade and investment ties with Arab countries, particularly Egypt.