Cairo: Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, met with Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cairo, to explore opportunities for deepening cooperation in various sectors, particularly green hydrogen and renewable energy projects. This meeting comes after several important developments in the growing economic relationship between Egypt and the Netherlands.
According to State Information Service Egypt, in May, Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), went on a promotional tour to encourage Dutch investments in Egypt’s growing green hydrogen sector as part of broader efforts to attract international investors to Egypt’s renewable energy initiatives. During today’s meeting, Esmat and Mollema discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing on green hydrogen technology, energy transition, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. They explored how Egypt and the Netherlands can collaborate in the green hydrogen
value chain-from production and processing to storage and transportation.
Esmat highlighted the importance of attracting new investments in modern technologies, with an emphasis on green hydrogen, which is seen as a vital component of Egypt’s long-term energy strategy. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Electricity’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, underscored the growing importance of the two countries’ partnership in the transition to sustainable energy. The Dutch Ambassador and Esmat also discussed the need to localize green hydrogen industries in Egypt and promote sustainable energy production. Esmat reiterated Egypt’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in clean energy, noting that green hydrogen plays a critical role in achieving these objectives.
‘We also look forward to promoting the development of the green hydrogen market through multilateral integration and cooperation with international organizations and initiatives,’ explained Esmat. The two countries also explored opport
unities for knowledge and technology exchange, as well as the involvement of Dutch companies in Egypt’s green hydrogen projects. Cooperation on regulatory policies and financial frameworks for the sector was also discussed, with both sides eager to align their efforts to foster the growth of the green hydrogen industry.
In June, Ambassador Mollema highlighted the robust trade relationship between the two countries. In 2023, the trade exchange between the Netherlands and Egypt reached pound 3.5 billion, with the Netherlands having exported goods worth pound 2 billion to Egypt, while Egypt exported goods valued at pound 1.5 billion to the Netherlands. Looking ahead to 2024, the ambassador identified several priority areas for enhanced cooperation with Egypt. Economically, the Netherlands sees substantial potential in collaborating with Egypt on green hydrogen and agriculture, with both sectors expected to see increasing partnerships and investments as the two countries work together to meet the growing global
demand for renewable energy.
In November, Badr Abdel-Atti, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, confirmed that he had reached an agreement with Dutch Foreign Minister Kasper Veldkamp to activate the Joint Business Council and organize an upcoming business forum. This initiative will bring together business leaders from both countries to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen economic partnerships. Furthermore, Abdel-Atti revealed that Dutch private sector delegations would soon visit Egypt to explore potential investments, particularly in renewable energy and other sectors of mutual interest. These visits will provide Dutch companies with valuable opportunities to engage with Egypt’s private sector, fostering collaboration based on the principles of mutual benefit.