Minsk: Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh emphasized that Egypt and Belarus are committed to advancing their bilateral relations into a fully-integrated industrial partnership. He highlighted that the forthcoming phase will transcend traditional trade exchanges, focusing on joint manufacturing and technology localization to benefit both nations and bolster 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 in Minsk. This event is part of his current visit to Belarus, where he leads the Egyptian delegation in the committee's meetings. The joint commission is seen as a crucial platform for enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The Egyptian-Belarusian relationship has significantly progressed recently, driven by high-level reciprocal visits reflecting the depth of political ties and eagerness to expand economic collaboration.
Saleh detailed the commission's discussions, which spanned various sectors such as trade, investment, industry, agriculture, financial cooperation, customs, scientific research, technology, higher education, IT, and tourism. He noted that the trade volume of approximately $60 million in 2025 does not fully capture the available potential, highlighting opportunities for increased Egyptian exports to Belarus, particularly in agricultural crops, cosmetics, textiles, and medical supplies.
He also discussed expanding Belarusian products in Egypt, especially tractors, trucks, dairy products, and timber, with Egypt serving as a strategic gateway for Belarusian investments to Arab and African markets. Saleh encouraged Belarusian companies to establish productive partnerships in Egypt, leveraging the country's favorable investment climate and extensive trade agreements.
Saleh emphasized Egypt's institutional and legislative reforms that have improved the investment environment, facilitating company establishment and bolstering private sector involvement in economic development. He stressed prioritizing sectors such as heavy industries, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and IT for industrial integration.
He outlined three pillars for future cooperation: enhancing food security and agricultural mechanization, expanding pharmaceutical production, and boosting tourism between the two nations. Saleh concluded by stressing the importance of joint institutional frameworks, expressing confidence that the commission's outcomes would pave the way for deeper economic integration and strategic partnership between Egypt and Belarus.