Cairo: Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid engaged in significant discussions with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of Oman's Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, focusing on enhancing investment and trade cooperation between the two nations. This meeting, held on Monday, August 31, 2026, was attended by Omani Ambassador to Egypt Abdullah bin Nasser Al Rahbi and other officials from both sides.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions revolved around expanding cooperation in several sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles and garments, renewable energy, logistics, manufacturing, and marble industries. Minister Farid emphasized the need to deepen bilateral economic relations through industrial and investment partnerships, leveraging the comparative advantages of both countries. He highlighted efforts to formulate an executive plan to translate potential opportunities into tangible ventures.

The talks included exploring proposals that would allow Egyptian companies to utilize Omani free and economic zones for intermediate manufacturing and re-exporting to Asian markets. In return, Egypt's industrial and logistics capabilities could be harnessed to access additional regional markets. Additionally, discussions covered the creation of joint investment promotion mechanisms and the organization of a business forum in Cairo to present Egyptian businesses with expansion opportunities in Oman.

Yousef stressed the importance of integrating economic and free zones, advocating for the establishment of an industrial and logistics corridor. This would enable Egyptian goods to utilize Omani ports and free zones, facilitating access to East African and Asian markets. Both parties concurred on identifying priority sectors and companies, outlining an executive cooperation program, activating joint promotional mechanisms, and organizing bilateral business events.