Investment Minister Ashraf Salman

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi briefed the members of the US Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) on horizons of Egypt's economic growth, reform plans as well as the economic vision on the long and short terms.
In statements to reporters on the fringe of Sisi's current visit to New York, Investment Minister Ashraf Salman said Sisi has floated Egypt's economic program with crystal-clear vision before the US companies which voiced relief over the president's economic reform plan, in addition to Suez Canal project and other mega projects to be carried out in Egypt in a bid to push forward growth rates and achieve sustainable development.
Salman also said the US companies voiced their admiration of the Egyptian people's confidence in president Sisi.
The minister highlighted the selling out all investment certificates of the New Suez Canal at a total value of EGP 64 in unprecedented move in the world.
The US companies viewed the start of digging in the Suez Canal as a reflection of the Egyptian government commitment to development plans.
The minister said such companies have decided to start as of September 30 to present their applications to establish solar energy stations in Egypt.
Salman made it clear that Egypt's target is to decrease unemployment rate to less than 2 percent and a growth rate of up to 8 percent.
Egypt also aims at achieving local direct investments of up to EGP 330 billion, said the minister, denying reports on imposing restrictions on Turkish and Qatari investments in Egypt.
Source: MENA