Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer in Egypt and Qatar

Bern, 06.07.2021 - From 3 to 6 July 2021, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer visited Egypt and Qatar, accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking representatives of the Swiss financial centre. The aim of the trip was to hold talks with authorities and institutions to strengthen bilateral relations in the financial sector.

In Cairo, Finance Minister Ueli Maurer met with his counterpart, Finance Minister Mohamed Ahmed Maait, and Central Bank Governor Tarek Hassan Amer. The topics discussed included the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the framework conditions for investments, the deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation on various matters in the financial sector. Egypt is Switzerland's most important export market on the African continent and is also a priority country concerning economic development cooperation.

In Qatar, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer and his delegation were received by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. In addition, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met with Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and Central Bank Governor Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al Thani. The talks focused on relations in the financial sector and the framework conditions for investments. The ministers also exchanged views on the great potential of digital technologies in the area of sustainable financial services.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer was accompanied by representatives of the Swiss banking and insurance sectors. Approximately 70 Swiss companies employ around 10,000 people in Egypt. In Qatar, around 30 Swiss companies have a permanent presence with a total of over 1,000 employees.

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