Major British trade delegation in Egypt, but will the red tape end?

British companies paying one of the most high-profile visits to Egypt by a Western trade delegation since the 2011 uprising seem more concerned by bureaucracy than political turbulence.

Britain, one of the top foreign investors in Egypt, believes boosting an economy battered by unrest since the overthrow of autocrat Hosni Mubarak is vital for long-term stability.

Companies in the delegation interviewed by Reuters want assurances that Egypt will eliminate complex investment laws and stamps of approval required from dozens of government agencies.

Investment Minister Ashraf Salman told Reuters on Sunday he is optimistic a draft investment law will be implemented in March, creating a one-stop shop.

Some of the more than 40 British companies expressed cautious optimism.

"If the legislation is indeed a one-stop shop as has been suggested, that would greatly improve the ease of doing business," said Mark Lipton, managing director of British security firm G4S in Egypt.