The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cairo offers a range of services to assist Dutch investors, exporters and importers. Detailed information on doing business (trade and investment) in Egypt can be found in our 
Guidelines for Doing Business in Egypt These guidelines are prepared by the Embassy and provide you with useful information for setting up a business in Egypt or for trade between Egypt and the Netherlands. Information on doing business in Egypt can be found on this website and in Dutch on the website of the 
Netherlands Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD). Should you need further information, please contact the Embassy via: (202) 27368752 or fill out the Trade Inquiry Form.
Business Contacts in Egypt
Dutch companies active in Egypt and their Egyptian local representatives are listed in the Business Directory, which is currently being updated by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cairo and will be posted shortly.
For contact details of companies, branch organisations or business support organizations in Egypt please fill out the Trade Inquiry Form or use the following useful websites:
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Trade with Egypt
The Association Agreement is the bilateral Free Trade Agreement between the European Union (EU) and Egypt based on tariff liberalisation for both industry and agriculture on both sides. Abolishing the quantitative restrictions and equivalent measures is addressed in this agreement. Egypt will dismantle all industrial duties over a period of 15 years. Liberalisation in agriculture and agro-industry is ongoing.
The EU Exporters Market Access Database supplies relevant information concerning exports to Egypt (sectoral and trade barriers, applied tariffs, import formalities, statistical database).
The Egyptian Customs Website displays all applicable duties displayed on a product-by-product basis, you need to know the Harmonized System (HS) Code of the product. The information is available only in Arabic. The World Customs Organisation displays the complete HS Classification in English.
The Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry provides useful guides to investment and trade as well as useful links to various affiliates.
The General Organisation for Import and Export Control (GOIEC) in Egypt is in charge of registration of importers, exporters, commercial agents, scientific and consultancy offices and issues factory production supplies import cards, certificates of origin for goods of Egyptian origin and of acquired Egyptian origin.
Egyptian Organisation for Standardisation and Quality Control (EOS) is the accredited body in Egypt responsible for carrying out all activities related to standards, quality and tests.
Sample of International Contracts: A Dutch entrepreneur having found an international partner may find it useful to document arrangements in a contract. The following international sample contracts (in English) may be useful:-
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Investing in Egypt
The tax treaty between Egypt and the Netherlands ratified in 1999 aims to avoid 
double taxation between the Egypt and the Netherlands.
The General Authority for Investments and Free Zones (GAFI) is Egypt’s “One Stop shop” for investors. Services GAFI provides range from company registration to site location, to partner identification, to contracts and licences acquisition. GAFI's services are provided at no cost to the investor.
Investment Opportunities in Egypt (report) dated March 2007. The report is prepared by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and Egypt's Ministry of Investment.
Through the Egyptian Investment Portal, Egypt’s government portal and the Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) www.idsc.gov.eg up-to-date information is given on investment in Egypt.
Central Agency for Public Mobilization & Statistics (CAPMAS) is the official Egyptian source for data and statistics.
The Middle East Library for Economic Services (MELES) publishes on regular basis the unofficial translations of Regulations, Laws and Decrees, issued in Egypt.
Sample of International Contracts: A Dutch entrepreneur having found an international partner may find it useful to document arrangements in a contract. The following international sample contracts (in English) may be useful:-
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Financial Support from the Dutch Government
On the Dutch website of the Subsidieshop you can find all Dutch governmental support applicable to Egypt.
The Netherlands Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD) offers programmes focussed on cooperation with companies in emerging markets and developing countries:
The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) provides financing to stimulate economic activity in Egypt. The Fund for Emerging Markets (FOM) stimulates Dutch private sector to invest in Egypt by providing capital and experience.
The European Commission (EC) offers a list of programmes that offer financial support to companies.
The European Bank for Investment (EIB) is a major provider of loans to Egypt. Part of the EIB’s role is to supply venture capital via appointed intermediaries. Please view the list of intermediaries on www.eib.org
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Developing your Business
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (EVD) has a database “Developing your Business” aiming at stimulating business with and in emerging markets, including many developing countries. Companies can access the database on the internet to find answers to questions about doing business in emerging markets. The database contains information about grants, import and export support, investment, research, networks, training courses and relevant websites.
An extensive English-language version of the database is available at www.evd.nl/DyB. It provides information about the opportunities in each country for the international and local business community. The search engine recognises country names and key words. The database is available free of charge. It is managed by the EVD, the agency for international business and cooperation of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Weekly International tenders
Click here to download a list with headlines of tenders published in the Egyptian newspapers for international bidders. If you would like to receive a regular weekly update on international tenders in Egypt please contact the Embassy via 
kai-ea@minbuza.nl.
All tenders issued through multilateral institutions are made available through the website of the EVD. A messaging service on tenders is offered free of charge through the EVD.
All tenders financed through the EU can be found on the EuropeAid website
The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) publishes tenders via their website.
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Trade Fairs in Egypt
The General Organization for International Exhibitions and Fairs (GOIEF) gives an overview on the trade fairs in Egypt.
Click here to download a list of Trade Fairs in Egypt in 2008.
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Latest Business News
For the latest news on business developments in Egypt please read the monthly news bulletin Business in Brief. If you would like to receive this electronic publication on a monthly basis please contact the Embassy via kai-ea@minbuza.nl.
TopGeneral info on the Egyptian Economy and Business Climate
The websites of The World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) , the Economist Intelligence Unit and the World Trade Organization (WTO) offer a wealth of information on the Egyptian economy.
The Worldbank’s website dedicated to business climate provides information on the Egyptian business climate i.e. opening up a business, dealing with licences, employing workers, registering property, access to credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing of contracts, closing a business.
International Business Resources provides information on the business climate, news, history, political structure, economic landscape, and relevant statistical data for Egypt. Powerful features such as comparing countries using multiple statistical indicators and ranking countries based on a selected statistical indicator are available. A rich collection of country-specific international business links adds to the vast collection of information.
The Egyptian Centre for Economic Studies (ECES) is a non-profit, non-governmental think-tank to promote economic development in Egypt by conducting and disseminating applied policy research.
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