Egypt and South Korea have taken a major step to deepen economic cooperation, with Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, and Yeo Han-koo, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Resources, signing a joint statement on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. El-Khatib described the agreement as a strategic framework for investment cooperation across priority sectors such as high-tech industries, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, infrastructure, and manufacturing. “The CEPA aims to foster deeper economic ties, promote knowledge transfer, and enhance investment flows between Egypt and South Korea, while encouraging Korean participation in Egypt’s large-scale national projects, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone,” El-Khatib said. Minister Yeo Han-koo expressed satisfaction with the visit and reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties. GAFI CEO Mohamed El-Gossaki said the authority is reviewing South Korean investments in Egypt with a proactive approach to ensure smooth implementation and mitigate potential challenges, particularly in priority sectors such as technology, automotive, and energy.

Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, witnessed—at the conclusion of his official visit to China—the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Egyptian company Kemet and China’s TBEA. The agreement covers cooperation in renewable energy, the transfer and localisation of manufacturing technologies for grid-connection systems used in the national electricity network, and the establishment of Egypt’s first inverter manufacturing plant. The MoU was signed by Ahmed El-Abd, Chairperson of Kemet, and Zheng Yan, Vice President of TBEA and General Manager of its International Business Sector. Esmat reaffirmed that the electricity and renewable energy sector is operating under an integrated framework for technology transfer and industrial localisation, in partnership with the private sector. He stressed that the state provides full support to encourage private sector participation through effective partnerships, maximise value from raw materials via downstream manufacturing, and expand the implementation of low-carbon renewable energy projects.

Saied Embaby, CEO of iSagha, said local gold prices increased by approximately EGP 115 over the week. Globally, gold prices surged by about $86 per ounce, rising from $4,510 at the start of the week to $4,596 by the close of trading. On global exchanges, gold prices have risen by about $278, or 6.4%, approaching the 6.6% increase recorded in January of the previous year. Federal Reserve signalsMarket sentiment turned more cautious following remarks by Donald Trump regarding Federal Reserve leadership, while easing geopolitical risks followed reports that Israel had sought to delay any potential strike on Iran. Market outlookEmbaby said underlying fundamentals remain supportive of gold prices, citing concerns over the independence of the Federal Reserve, persistent trade tensions, and continued gold purchases by central banks.

According to the ministry, discussions also included proposals to renew and expand cooperation with Indian research and policy institutions. These would cover the development of national and international environmental policies, the safe management of electronic and medical waste, and waste-to-energy solutions. Awad reaffirmed Egypt’s interest in deepening cooperation with India on environmental governance, climate action, and new and renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen and green ammonia. For his part, Singh welcomed enhanced cooperation with Egypt, praising Awad’s oversight of both the environment and local development portfolios. The meeting underscored the growing scope of environmental cooperation between Egypt and India, as both countries seek to align climate action with sustainable development and economic growth.

This brought total funding injected into the project by the end of the year to EGP 10.053bn. He noted that 10,870 operating licences were issued during the year, including new and renewed licences for livestock, feed and poultry activities, as well as milk collection centres. Soliman stressed continued coordination with regulatory authorities and the launch of intensive, unannounced inspection campaigns targeting feed warehouses, raw materials, and feed production and trading activities across all governorates. More than 250 surprise campaigns were carried out in 2025, resulting in the seizure of 187 tonnes of non-compliant feed, including expired products and feed held for hoarding. Poultry production also recorded strong growth, with broiler output rising to around 1.6 billion birds in 2025, compared with 1.4 billion birds a year earlier.

General Motors believes Egypt has the fundamentals to become a regional centre for automotive manufacturing and exports to the Middle East and Africa, according to Sharon Nishi, Chair and Managing Director of General Motors Egypt & Africa. Speaking to Daily News Egypt, Nishi said the company is working closely with the Egyptian government to develop supportive policies aimed at boosting exports and deepening local manufacturing. This, she said, qualifies General Motors for the government’s Automotive Industry Development Programme (AIDP), reflecting the level of localisation already achieved. She stressed that General Motors’ strength in Egypt extends beyond its vehicles to include after-sales services, spare parts availability, warranty support, and a wide distribution network through its partnership with Mansour Automotive. Nishi noted that General Motors ended 2025 as the market leader in Egypt.

Egypt and its Mediterranean allies, Greece and Cyprus, have moved to accelerate the GREGY electrical interconnection project and coordinated on a roadmap for Gaza’s reconstruction, including support for a technocratic committee to manage the territory. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced the developments on Sunday following a series of bilateral and trilateral political consultations in Cairo with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. The Egyptian minister emphasised that this committee must immediately assume governance and daily administrative duties for Palestinians while maintaining the organic link between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. A central pillar of the diplomatic discussions was the advancement of the GREGY electrical interconnection project between Egypt and Greece. Abdelatty described the project as a significant shift in bilateral relations that would bolster European energy security and support the transition toward a green economy.

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), chaired by Mohamed Farid, has granted the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) its first licence to operate futures exchanges for derivatives based on securities listed on the Egyptian market. Financial derivatives are contracts whose value is derived from an underlying asset, such as shares, price indices, or other instruments determined by the Authority. “The FRA has worked over many months to establish a regulatory and legislative framework suitable for derivatives trading in Egypt. Derivatives are globally recognised as essential tools for risk management, market stability, and attracting a broader investor base,” Farid said. He said foreign investment funds have already shown interest in trading derivatives in Egypt, signalling growing international confidence in the local market.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Sunday with Osama Rabie, Chairperson of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), to review recent developments in shipping traffic and the authority’s maritime development plans. Rabie told the president that the canal recorded a relative improvement and partial recovery in traffic during the second half of 2025, including the gradual return of ultra-large container vessels, as stability began to return to the Red Sea and upgrades to the canal’s southern sector were completed. He added that canal revenues are expected to improve further in the second half of 2026, as several shipping lines resume normal operations by the end of this year. The meeting also reviewed progress on the development of the South Red Sea shipyard, part of broader efforts to localise maritime industries and expand partnerships with the private sector. He also noted the completion of 10 river buses and plans to upgrade the SCA’s dredging fleet.

Tesla Developments has sold out the first phase of its Tesla Residence project and is preparing to launch the second phase, which is expected to attract strong interest from both homebuyers and investors. He explained that the second phase will feature serviced residential units delivered fully finished and furnished to international standards. Early enquiries indicate steady demand, with the management company for the serviced units set to be announced in the coming period. Tesla Residence is being developed on an area of 26 feddans in West Cairo, directly opposite MSA University on Al-Wahat Road. The mixed-use project will include residential, retail, hospitality, administrative, and medical components, alongside a 450-metre commercial promenade and several administrative and medical buildings.

The Financial Regulatory Authority’s (FRA) introduction of real estate title deed insurance marks a significant step for Egypt’s property sector, strengthening investor protection and opening the door to greater foreign participation. “In markets such as the US and Europe, title deed insurance is a standard component of real estate transactions. The group is also considering launching real estate investment funds targeting international investors, with a strong emphasis on transparency and regulatory compliance. He further stressed that title deed insurance would reinforce Egypt’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for real estate investment, while contributing to job creation and increased foreign direct investment. The introduction of title deed insurance reflects broader government efforts to strengthen market confidence, standardise investment practices, and foster a more competitive and attractive real estate environment in Egypt.

Tarek Shoukry, Chairperson of the Real Estate Development Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), said delays in the delivery of residential units remain limited and do not reflect the overall health of Egypt’s real estate market. Developers’ FederationAs part of broader regulatory efforts, Shoukry revealed that discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a Real Estate Developers’ Federation. Shoukry pointed out that Egypt’s real estate market comprises more than 15,000 developers, reflecting the scale and importance of this vital sector. Property export revenuesShoukry also highlighted a sharp rise in Egypt’s real estate export revenues, which increased from around $500m to nearly $2bn over the past year. He concluded that continued foreign investment inflows will play a critical role in supporting market stability and strengthening the long-term outlook for Egypt’s real estate sector.

Amid slowing demand and intensifying competition, Egyptian real estate developers are revising pricing strategies and expanding flexible payment plans to stimulate sales and maintain cash flow. Some developers have accelerated construction schedules to deliver near-complete units, while others are partnering with local banks to offer easier financing solutions. Impact on the resale marketThe shift towards longer payment periods and extended project timelines has significantly slowed resale activity. Abu Zeid explained that some resale units purchased during periods of currency volatility in 2023 and 2024 were priced higher than current offerings. Financing solutions for buyersA limited number of developers are working with banks to facilitate long-term financing solutions.

US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to join the Peace Council in Gaza. Abdelatty explained that it is important for Trump to remain engaged in implementing the 20-point plan and fulfilling the requirements of the Security Council resolution. Egypt affirmed its full readiness to support the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip in carrying out its tasks. Mladenov explained that this phase involved extensive consultations with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority, culminating in the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee member Ahmed Majdalani said that forming the committee restores Palestinian national legitimacy and puts an end to attempts to create parallel leadership centers.

Global golfing attention shifts to the New Giza Golf Club on Monday as the inaugural Egypt Golf Series gets under way, marking a transformative moment for the sport in North Africa. The opening event, which runs from 19 to 21 January, serves as the curtain-raiser for a prestigious four-tournament swing on the MENA Tour. This series represents a significant milestone for the region, as Egypt prepares to host four tournaments officially sanctioned by the International Golf Federation for the first time. Egypt Golf Series: The FrontrunnersItaly’s Ludovico Adamo arrives in Cairo as the clear player to watch. Following the conclusion of play at New Giza, the series will move to the Marassi Golf Resort on the Mediterranean coast for two consecutive events.