Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan al-Khatib, has stated that the world is undergoing significant economic changes, marked by a decline in globalization and a rise in protectionist trade policies. In this context, B2B businesses need to understand new dynamics, such as tariff increases in the U.S. and Europe, driven by Donald Trump’s second-term policies and European election trends favoring trade restrictions.

Speaking in an interview at the Raisina Economic Forum 2025 with Indian broadcaster Mihir Swarup Sharma, al-Khatib highlighted Egypt’s strategy to become a competitive B2B collaboration hub. The primary focus is on creating an ecosystem that supports business-to-business investments, enhances competitiveness, and provides a conducive environment for private sector cooperation.

Infrastructure as the Foundation for B2B

Over the past decade, Egypt has made significant infrastructure investments to support B2B relations. A vast road network, the construction of 24 new cities, and large-scale energy projects have been designed to facilitate supply chains and business logistics. This infrastructure not only attracts local companies but also serves as a draw for international business partners seeking operational efficiency in a strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

“Egypt’s geographical position is a major asset for B2B,” said al-Khatib. “However, without strong infrastructure, we cannot fully maximize this potential for trade and investment between companies.” Since 2013, Egypt’s national projects have also created opportunities for businesses in the construction, energy, and logistics sectors to collaborate on a large scale while reducing operational barriers.

Economic Stabilization for Business Confidence

The Egyptian government’s successful inflation stabilization policies send a positive signal to B2B players. Economic uncertainty often poses challenges to long-term business contracts, but with visible results, companies can now plan partnerships with greater confidence. This opens opportunities for B2B solution providers, such as financial technology or logistics companies, to offer services that support business expansion in Egypt.

B2B Opportunities with India

During his visit to India, al-Khatib met with representatives from nine major Indian companies and India’s Minister of Foreign Trade to discuss strengthening B2B cooperation. He noted that current bilateral trade remains below its potential, indicating vast opportunities for Indian companies to establish partnerships with Egyptian businesses in the industrial and service sectors.

“Egypt offers opportunities for Indian companies to invest in manufacturing, technology, and services,” he stated. For instance, Indian technology firms can collaborate with Egyptian businesses to develop digital solutions that support supply chains, while manufacturing companies can utilize Egypt’s new cities as regional production bases.

Challenges and Prospects for B2B

Despite the promising opportunities, challenges such as logistics and bureaucracy still need to be addressed to ensure smooth B2B transactions. While urban infrastructure is well-developed, it has yet to reach remote areas, which can impact business-to-business distribution. However, with innovative approaches—such as adopting smart logistics technology—B2B players can find mutually beneficial solutions.

The Road Ahead

For B2B players, Egypt offers a unique combination of a strategic location, growing infrastructure, and increasing economic stability. Collaboration between Egyptian and international businesses, including those from India, can serve as a catalyst to unlock this potential. By understanding global economic dynamics and leveraging Egypt’s advantages, B2B companies have the opportunity to build strong and sustainable partnerships in this emerging market. For further information on how to get involved or learn more about the report's findings, contact Tradeasia International for insights and support.