Google to Reopen Cairo Office, Supports Egypt's Economy EGP 5.2 bn/yr

Egypt’s Investment Minister Sahar Nasr discussed with Google’s managing director for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Lino Cattaruzzi future investments of the company in Egypt and Africa, in addition to reopening Google office in Egypt, according to a statement on Sunday.

Cattaruzzi said Google currently considers expanding its businesses and injecting new investments in Egypt on the back of improved investment climate after the recent legislature reforms implemented by the Egyptian government.

[caption id="attachment_59680" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]  Sahar Nasr & Lino Cattaruzzi of Google[/caption]

On the other hand, Nasr reported that Egypt's political leadership gives priority to investment in human resources and innovation, pointing out the company works on establishing a "Google Campus" for training courses and start-ups.

Also, Nasr revealed that 33 startups have been supported in cooperation with the communications and information technology ministry.

Noteworthy, both sides discussed cooperation especially, in the entrepreneurship, small & medium enterprises and education fields.

Today, Cattaruzzi revealed that Google's products support Egypt's economic activities by EGP 5.2 billion annually.

Addressing a press conference on announcing some initiatives, Cattaruzzi said: "Google has several initiatives to boost the Egyptian youth's digital skills and digitally support local firms in addition to forming a team of local cadres in Cairo office."

He expressed his appreciation for the Telecommunications Ministry's measures to develop a legislative agenda which contributes to creating an investment-friendly atmosphere in Egypt, topped by Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law and Data Protection Law.

Google's director of agencies for MENA Hesham Al Nazer, for his part, said: "The company will train about 100,000 people in basic digital skills as a part of "Grow with Google" initiative, a matter which will help 25,000 people to find jobs."

"The tech giant has plans to help 200,000 companies to present their business activity via Google's platforms by the end of this year," Nazer added.