Minsk: Egypt and Belarus have expressed a mutual commitment to strengthen their bilateral ties into a fully-integrated industrial partnership, as stated by Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh. The next phase is focused on advancing beyond traditional trade exchanges to foster joint manufacturing and technology localization, benefiting both nations and enhancing their economic integration.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Saleh made these remarks during his keynote speech at the 8th session of the Egyptian-Belarusian Joint Trade Commission, held in Minsk. The session marked a critical platform for advancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Recent years have seen significant progress in Egyptian-Belarusian relations, driven by high-level reciprocal visits that underscore the depth of their political ties and a mutual eagerness to expand economic and investment opportunities.
The joint commission addressed various sectors, including trade, investment, industry, agriculture, grain storage, financial cooperation, customs, scientific research, technology, higher education, information technology, and tourism. This diversity highlights the breadth of cooperation between the two nations. Saleh noted that the $60 million trade volume recorded in 2025 does not fully capture the available potential, suggesting significant opportunities to increase Egyptian exports to Belarus, particularly in agricultural products, essential oils, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
Opportunities for Belarusian products in the Egyptian market were also discussed, with a focus on tractors, trucks, dairy products, timber, and flax. Egypt's strategic position as a gateway to Arab and African markets was emphasized, with calls for Belarusian companies to establish productive partnerships in Egypt and take advantage of Egypt's favorable investment climate and global trade agreements.
Saleh highlighted Egypt's institutional and legislative reforms that have facilitated investment processes, reduced the time and cost of establishing businesses, and improved the overall business environment. Priority sectors for industrial integration include heavy industries, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.
The minister outlined three main pillars for future cooperation: enhancing food security and agricultural mechanization through Belarusian technology, expanding pharmaceutical production, and boosting tourism between the two countries. He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the joint commission's eighth session would pave the way for deeper economic integration and a strategic partnership.