The Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Egypt held its annual 2026 gala under the theme “Two Nations… One Shared Impact – A Legacy Beyond Generations,” bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to celebrate the strengthening economic partnership between Egypt and Switzerland.
The event, which took place in Cairo, underscored what participants described as a growing commitment to sustainable development, responsible leadership, and long-term bilateral cooperation.
The gala was attended by high-level officials, including Ahmed Kouchouk, as well as senior members of Egypt’s economic and regulatory institutions and representatives of the diplomatic corps, alongside executives from leading international and local companies operating in the Egyptian market.
A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of renowned economist and former finance minister Youssef Boutros Ghali, who was honored with the Chamber’s Excellence in Leadership Award for his contributions to economic policy and fiscal reform in Egypt.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said economic relations between Egypt and Switzerland are witnessing “rapid and sustainable growth,” noting the strong presence of major Swiss companies in the Egyptian market, many of which have long-standing operations in the country.
He emphasized that the private sector remains a central driver of growth, innovation, and job creation, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting business-led development as part of Egypt’s broader economic reform agenda.
Swiss Ambassador to Egypt Andreas Baum highlighted recent developments in bilateral cooperation, including the joint economic committee meeting in Bern and the Egyptian–Swiss Economic Forum in Cairo, describing them as milestones that have strengthened structured dialogue between both countries.
He noted that private sector engagement has become increasingly active, reinforcing its role as a key engine of growth, innovation, and employment generation.
Speaking at the event, Kamal Abdel Malek stressed the Chamber’s longstanding role in fostering bilateral economic relations, describing the Egypt–Switzerland partnership as a model of sustainable cooperation spanning decades.
He highlighted joint contributions in sectors such as industry, education, healthcare, and community development, and pointed to the recent Egyptian–Swiss Economic Forum as a significant step in expanding institutional cooperation.
The Chamber also announced a social responsibility initiative, allocating part of the event’s proceeds to support Al Nas Hospital, which provides free, high-quality medical and surgical care to thousands of patients annually.
Executives from major multinational companies operating in Egypt also participated in panel discussions, including representatives from industrial, pharmaceutical, energy, and financial sectors, reflecting the breadth of Swiss corporate presence in the country.
According to data shared during the event, Switzerland ranks among the top ten foreign investors in Egypt, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $2.3 billion in 2025. More than 500 Swiss companies currently operate in Egypt, collectively providing over 25,000 direct jobs.
Follow the latest news on Google News
