May Khattab
Climate Change and Sustainability Manager Industrial Working Groups
(+202) 3333 8486 may.khattab@ahk-mena.com
Founding Date of the Industrial Working Group:
The Industrial Working Group was established on the basis of an initiative of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce. It started to operate on 01.08.19.
Objective of the Industrial Working Group:
The Industrial Working Group is a B-to-B platform with a limited number of members, all of which belonging to the defined industry. Its main objective is to characterize the current status of the specific industry in Egypt and to actively contribute to its further development. The members of the Industrial Working Group are prepared to summarize the findings / proposals (“Discussion Paper”) and to discuss the agreed objectives with Governmental, institutional or economic organizations, associations or any other entity to assist the further development of the defined industry in Egypt (hereafter called “Counterparts”).
The Industrial Working Group and the Counterparts may agree on further initiatives to foster the industrial development.
Role of the Chamber:
The German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (hereafter called “the Chamber”) offers its members a variety of platforms to exchange, develop and to mediate economic or business-related information.
The Chamber assists the Industrial Working Group:
- Planning of / Invitations to all meetings, discussions or other relevant / agreed gatherings. Such meetings can be held in the premises of the Chamber or in the corporate offices of its members on a rotating basis. The objective is to ensure regular meetings.
- Secretarial Function: The Chamber will combine all gathered information into a Discussion Paper and present the same to the members via circulation or in meetings, as agreed upon during the discussions. If not agreed otherwise, general minutes of meetings will not be established.
- Assistance Moderation Function: The Chamber will establish / discuss with Head of Industrial Working Group and thereafter circulate an agenda prior to each meeting and will summarize the major findings of the previous discussion at the start of each gathering. Moreover, the Chamber will assist the Moderator best way possible to ensure a smooth and successful meeting.
- Technical Assistance: The Chamber provides the framework and technical support for the working group to be in operation.
Logistics Working Group
Efficient logistics are essential for the success of any business, and the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce recognizes this. To help its members optimize their logistics operations, the Chamber has established a Logistics Working Group. The group brings together logistics providers and transportation companies to discuss issues of concern, exchange best practices, and engage in constructive dialogue.
The Logistics Working Group focuses on a range of topics to help its members improve their logistics operations. One area of focus is improving communication and collaboration between different parties in the supply chain. The group aims to ensure that goods move smoothly and efficiently across borders, reducing delays and costs. This includes working with officials to streamline procedures and reduce paperwork, aiming to improve Egypt's logistical strategy and become a logistical hub.
In 2025 the group met on the 12th of January and agreed on the following agenda for the year:
- Amending specific regulations within the Customs Law to be more lenient
- Consolidating approval authorities into a single entity
- Implementing the Prime Minister’s decision on joint committees
- Re-evaluating the penalties imposed on shipments
Healthcare Working Group
The working groups creates a forum for healthcare players to discuss issues of concern, share best case practices, and promote positive change. A sustainable health and care system is achieved by delivering high quality care and improved public health.
The Group is composed of pioneer Egyptian and German Companies in Egypt and are well informed of the Egyptian strategies, plans and legislations in this sector.
Agriculture Working Group
The Agriculture Working Group of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt) was established as a crucial platform for agricultural stakeholders, including producers, exporters, and industry leaders. Through active engagement with government entities and private sector representatives, we work to address industry challenges, exchange best practices, and drive policy reforms that contribute to the modernization and sustainable growth of Egypt’s agricultural sector.
One of our key accomplishments has been our leadership in the amendment of Egypt’s Agricultural Cooperatives Law. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and inclusive cooperative system, we have organized several roundtable discussions with the Egyptian government, representatives from German cooperatives, and private sector stakeholders. These discussions have played a pivotal role in shaping the legal framework to better support farmers, improve governance, and enhance the role of cooperatives in agricultural development.
As an Agriculture Working Group, we are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Egyptian Parliament to facilitate these discussions and ensure the sector’s interests are effectively represented. Under the leadership of Mr. Hesham El Naggar, CEO of Daltex Corporation, as President, alongside Mr. Mohamed El Banna, Vice President of Agreen, and Mr. Amr Shaheen, Supply Chain Manager at Raya Foods, as Vice Presidents, we remain committed to driving meaningful reforms and fostering a more competitive and resilient agricultural sector in Egypt.
3 main topics were chosen for discussion and work to develop and improve them during the year 2025:
- Amending the Agriculture cooperatives law in Egypt
- Amending the regulating and exchanging pesticides law in Egypt
- Developing agricultural mechanization and utilizing German expertise in this sector in Egypt.
Pharmaceuticals Working Group
The Pharmaceutical Working Group of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt) has rapidly evolved into a key platform for dialogue and collaboration within Egypt’s pharmaceutical sector. Bringing together leading pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies, and policymakers, the group has actively worked to address industry challenges, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance public-private sector cooperation to support the sector’s growth and regulatory framework.
One of our significant achievements has been our active role in the amendment of Egypt’s Intellectual Property (IP) Law. Through continuous engagement with the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) and the newly established Egyptian Authority for Intellectual Property, we have ensured that the perspectives of pharmaceutical companies in the Egyptian market are well-represented. Our efforts have included several high-level meetings and roundtable discussions with all relevant stakeholders, providing a structured forum to discuss IP-related challenges and opportunities, with a particular focus on balancing innovation protection and market accessibility.
Since its establishment, the Pharmaceutical Working Group has successfully positioned itself as a driving force for industry development, regulatory reform, and constructive engagement with government authorities. Our ongoing efforts continue to foster a more efficient and transparent pharmaceutical sector, ensuring that businesses operating in Egypt have the necessary regulatory support to thrive.
Main topics of discussion for 2025:
- Local pricing policies and intellectual property and export development
- Encouraging industries feeding the pharmaceutical sector in Egypt
- Technical training and education (technicians and administrators)
Chemical Working Group
The German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce has established the Chemical Working Group in 2025 to support its members in navigating industry challenges. This group brings together key stakeholders, including chemical manufacturers, chemical importers, and Suppliers, to discuss regulatory developments, share best practices, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
A key focus of the Chemical Working Group is enhancing collaboration between industry players and regulatory bodies to streamline processes and facilitate smoother operations. This includes addressing challenges related to export permits, compliance with international standards, and integrating chemical companies into key governmental programs. By working closely with officials, the group aims to create a more efficient and competitive chemical sector in Egypt.
The German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce held its first Chemical Working Group meeting in 2025 on February 9th. The group has agreed on the following agenda for the year:
- Organizing a roundtable with the Economic Operator Program.
- Listing to the Chemical Working Group under the Economic Operator Program.
- Holding a roundtable with EMRA to discuss export permit requirements.
Climate Change “Energy” Working Group
The Energy Working Group within the broader climate change focus is primarily concerned with advancing clean energy solutions, particularly the role of hydrogen in Egypt’s energy transition. One of the key priorities of this group is addressing the challenges around the development and export of hydrogen, which is seen as a critical component of a low-carbon future. Specifically, we are working to enhance off-take opportunities for hydrogen, supporting Egyptian developers in scaling up production and helping accelerate the growth of Egypt’s hydrogen market.
A significant achievement within the Energy Working Group has been the partnership with the Bavarian government. The AHK (German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce) has signed a landmark joint declaration on bilateral cooperation, which will see the organization offering a series of webinars, workshops, and delegation trips to Bavaria. These initiatives aim to foster knowledge exchange, showcase best practices, and build a stronger framework for hydrogen development in both Egypt and Europe.
Sustainability Working Group
On the sustainability front, our Sustainability Working Group is committed to raising awareness and driving concrete actions that contribute to a more sustainable future. We focus on a variety of topics impacting the industrial community, with particular emphasis on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which has significant implications for exporters aiming to access the European market. The group provides insights on how businesses can navigate the complexities of these regulations and adapt to the evolving international trade environment.
In addition, one of the core topics discussed within the Sustainability Working Group is the carbon footprint of businesses and the emerging carbon credit market in Egypt. This includes exploring how companies can leverage the carbon credit system to reduce their emissions while also generating financial benefits. The group works to keep members informed about the latest regulations and opportunities within this space, enabling organizations to take advantage of this rapidly growing market.
