The Egyptian Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, led by Minister Dr. Sherif Farouk, recently met with a high-level delegation from the European Investment Bank, headed by Ulrich Brunnhuber, to discuss potential cooperation on various projects. The meeting took place in Cairo from September 22 to 24, 2026, as part of the bank's visit to review existing projects and discuss new proposals for 2027. The talks focused on enhancing collaboration in areas related to food security and logistics infrastructure.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed the current state of cooperation between the Ministry of Supply and the European Investment Bank. They explored ways to develop and enhance this cooperation, focusing on priority projects in food security and logistics infrastructure. These projects aim to support the state's efforts in securing citizens' needs and improving the efficiency of strategic commodity storage and distribution systems.
A key topic of discussion was the potential establishment of an integrated grain logistics center. This center would enhance food security, increase storage capacity, and improve the efficiency of grain handling, transportation, and storage. The parties also examined potential support and financing options from the European Investment Bank for the project, given their shared priorities.
Minister Dr. Sherif Farouk emphasized that his ministry is committed to strengthening partnerships with international financial institutions. The goal is to leverage their expertise and financing mechanisms to support infrastructure projects related to food security. He highlighted that developing storage and logistics systems is a key aspect of the ministry's strategy to improve supply chains, reduce waste, and ensure the sustainable availability of strategic commodities.
The minister provided updates on several ongoing projects and outlined the ministry's priorities for projects to be included in the cooperation portfolio for 2027. He stressed the importance of focusing cooperation on projects that have a direct and sustainable impact on food security and enhance logistics infrastructure and commodity distribution systems.
The European Investment Bank's delegation reaffirmed their commitment to continuing and strengthening cooperation with the Egyptian government. They expressed interest in supporting projects that align with Egypt's development priorities, particularly in food security and logistics infrastructure. The bank aims to monitor existing projects and explore new proposals for the coming period.
The discussions reflect Egypt's ongoing efforts to bolster its food security and logistics infrastructure. By engaging with international financial institutions like the European Investment Bank, the country seeks to leverage expertise and resources to enhance its strategic commodity management systems. The proposed integrated grain logistics center is a significant component of these efforts, aiming to improve efficiency and storage capacity.
Key points
- Egypt's Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade is exploring cooperation with the European Investment Bank to establish an integrated grain logistics center.
- The center aims to enhance food security, increase storage capacity, and improve the efficiency of grain handling and storage.
- The collaboration is part of broader efforts to strengthen logistics infrastructure and commodity distribution systems in Egypt.
