The Minister of Investment Establis

On 24 February 2018, the Minister of Investment and International Cooperation issued decision No. 24 of 2018 (the "Decision”)[1] establishing a Committee within the Ministry aiming "to follow up on the operation of the Investor Services Centre at the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones ("GAFI"), ensuring the efficiency, competence and suitability of the services provided to investors … as well as identifying strengths and weaknesses". The Committee shall be composed of representatives of the Ministry of Investment (to be appointed by virtue of a separate decision) who are to submit a weekly report to the Minister. The Decision outlines the Committee's responsibility and role, which includes compiling an inventory listing established companies, their types and capitals. It shall also monitor obstacles related to the Centre’s services in Cairo and other governorates, communicate with investors to follow up on their procedures, take any necessary steps required to efficiently provide Centre’s services, and follow up on the training and rehabilitation of workers when required. It is worth noting that the new Investment Law No. 72 of 2017[2] had established the Investors' Services Centre within GAFI, which encompasses representatives from relevant government agencies and public utility companies. The Law gave said employees the authority to issue various approvals, permits and licenses, including the power to allocate real estate, in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the legislation governing the issuance of said approvals, and the investment guide that is to be issued by GAFI.   [1] Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation Decision No. 24/2018 establishing a Committee to follow up on and incentivize the Investor Services Centre, Egyptian Gazette, Issue No. 45 (cont.), 24 February 2018. [2] Law No. 72/2017 on Investment, Official Gazette, Issue No. 21 (bis) (c), 31 May 2017.