Abstract

The objective of this research is to critically examine the potential of Egypt’s central Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and therefore contribute in boosting the country’s economic development. In quest of achieving this objective, the research applies a qualitative methodological approach of a single case study analysis, where it investigates several legislative and institutional elements to understand the extent to which the structure of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) enables it to perform its role as the national agency responsible for investment promotion. The analysis explains various aspects that define the effectiveness of GAFI’s structure, such as the authority level, tools, degree of political autonomy, and the different promotional functions performed. The detailed scrutiny of different organizational and functional elements reveals that the overall structure of GAFI does not contribute to its likelihood of being an effective agency, and therefore exposes its limited role in promoting and facilitating private investments. The findings explain how GAFI’s legal status accounts for weakening its structure and further articulate how the Authority lags behind in performing the main promotional functions of image building, investment generation, investor servicing and facilitation, and policy advocacy; all of which that influence Egypt’s ability to attract foreign investment, enhance local economy and guarantee better linkages to global economy. Thus, the research offers some recommendations to help policy makers adopt better mechanisms that could enhance the performance of GAFI, such as, ensuring the separation between GAFI’s role as a regulator and executor on one side, and its role as promoter and facilitator on the other side.

Department

Public Policy & Administration Department

Degree Name

MA in Public Policy

Graduation Date

2-1-2016

Submission Date

September 2016

First Advisor

Ali, Hamid

Committee Member 1

Abdel Halim, Khaled

Committee Member 2

Ismail, Ayman

Extent

117 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

Download

Share

COinS