Cairo: Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh expressed Egypt's intent to enhance its economic partnership with the UK, focusing on boosting bilateral investments and trade exchanges. This announcement was made during a meeting with British Ambassador to Egypt Mark Bryson-Richardson, where they explored economic, trade, and investment areas of mutual interest.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions highlighted the Egyptian government's commitment to fostering a competitive business environment and removing investment barriers in collaboration with relevant authorities. The meeting also reviewed British investments in Egypt, particularly those by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, and examined the company's expansion plans. Further discussions covered investment opportunities in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and strategies to attract more British investments.

The dialogue addressed collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector and the regulatory and tax challenges affecting British companies. Both parties emphasized the need for continued coordination to overcome these challenges and support business expansion in Egypt. Concerning trade, the focus was on increasing Egyptian agricultural exports to the UK, especially strawberries and grapes, and addressing British policies impacting the steel sector.

Both nations reiterated the importance of ongoing consultations under the Egypt-UK Association Agreement to ensure stable trade relations and mutual benefits. Ambassador Richardson confirmed the UK's desire to deepen economic and investment ties with Egypt, building on the progress in their bilateral relations. He also mentioned the interest of British companies in expanding their investments in Egypt, highlighting ongoing coordination with the Egyptian government to advance joint projects and enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.