Cairo: The Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS), Minister Plenipotentiary Dr. Abdelaziz El-Sherif, held a meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina's Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry, Vedran Lakic, and his delegation to explore ways of strengthening economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries. Both sides called for renewed joint efforts to unlock opportunities in priority sectors, particularly energy, mining, and associated industries.According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions included a review of the bilateral trade structure, noting that Egyptian exports to Bosnia reached approximately USD 51 million in 2024. Key Egyptian products entering the Bosnian market include copper and its derivatives, aluminum, fresh vegetables and fruit, building materials, ready-made garments, salt, and glass products. El-Sherif highlighted that this diversity reflects Egypt's broad industrial capabilities but stressed the importance of further increasing volumes in line with Bosnian market needs and export prospects.The talks also touched on major investment and contracting opportunities in Bosnia, notably 71 government projects valued at around USD 4 billion. The Bosnian side welcomed potential Egyptian participation, while El-Sherif affirmed Egypt's commitment to encouraging national companies to study these tenders and position themselves competitively. Increasing the presence of Egyptian enterprises in Bosnia would help build long-term economic partnerships and support mutual development goals.Regarding investment cooperation, El-Sherif highlighted the competitive advantages of the Egyptian market and emphasized Egypt's role as a strategic gateway to African markets. He mentioned that the private sectors in both countries can play a crucial role in forming joint ventures aimed at regional and neighboring markets. The two parties also discussed the possibility of establishing a Bosnian industrial zone in Egypt and a reciprocal Egyptian zone in Bosnia to localize industrial value chains.The meeting underscored the importance of more active participation by Bosnian companies in specialized Egyptian trade fairs, particularly those focused on food industries. Likewise, Egyptian businesses were encouraged to take part in exhibitions and economic events held in Bosnia, which would help promote Egyptian products and open direct communication channels between business communities. Discussions also covered cooperation in traditional and renewable energy fields, as well as infrastructure and industrial projects.At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to organize a broad business forum in the near future, in coordination with the ECS, the Bosnian minister's office, and relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The session was attended by Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ambassador to Egypt, Thabit Subašic, advisers to the Bosnian minister, and on the Egyptian side, Minister Plenipotentiary Noha Kamal, Director of the Europe Affairs Department, and Second Secretary Mostafa Naguib of the ECS's Europe Affairs Division.