Cairo: Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh emphasized the critical role of the private sector in enhancing economic, trade, and investment relations between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to expand joint investments and deepen bilateral cooperation.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Farid made these remarks during a meeting with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur, India. The discussions focused on deepening economic, trade, and investment relations and exploring new strategic partnership opportunities.
The minister underlined the importance of ongoing coordination between the two nations, particularly in investment and foreign trade areas like digital transformation and the digitalization of government services. Egypt aims to leverage the UAE's expertise in developing digital platforms and streamlining services for investors.
The discussions also included prospects for expanding cooperation in African markets, capitalizing on both countries' strengths to launch joint initiatives and projects, strengthen economic presence across the continent, and create opportunities for private-sector involvement.
Farid underscored the significance of reactivating the Egyptian-UAE Joint Business Council as a vital mechanism for strengthening ties between the business communities, promoting two-way investment, and fostering commercial and investment partnerships. He extended an invitation to the UAE to organize a visit to Egypt by members of the UAE Investors Abroad Council, led by Al Zeyoudi, to explore investment opportunities and examine potential partnerships in priority sectors.
Egypt offers attractive investment opportunities supported by modern infrastructure, industrial and logistics hubs, and a comprehensive network of free trade agreements that provide investors with preferential access to key markets, Farid noted. Egyptian exports to the UAE surged from approximately $1.22 billion in 2021 to $6.99 billion in 2025, a significant increase of about 475%, while imports from the UAE grew from $2.46 billion to $2.69 billion in the same period.
Farid reported that bilateral trade between Egypt and the UAE amounted to approximately $9.68 billion in 2025, with Egypt achieving a trade surplus of around $4.3 billion. The ministers agreed to maintain close coordination, strengthen public and private sector cooperation, and address challenges facing investors to unlock new opportunities for bilateral economic and investment partnerships.