Egyptian Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Mohamed Fared and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar led a roundtable discussion organized by the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce. The meeting brought together business leaders and banking sector representatives from both countries to explore opportunities for enhanced trade and investment cooperation in priority sectors. Minister Fared emphasized that President Musar's visit reflects the evolving bilateral relations and shared desire to elevate economic and investment cooperation.
Minister Fared highlighted Egypt's strategic location as a hub connecting Europe to Arab and African markets via the Suez Canal. He also noted Slovenia's strategic position, with the Port of Koper serving as a primary gateway to Central Europe. Fared expressed that the current trade exchange between the two countries does not reflect available potential, urging Slovenian companies to invest in Egypt's priority sectors and explore joint manufacturing projects, particularly in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries.
The Egyptian minister reviewed efforts to improve the investment climate, including digitizing investor services and streamlining company establishment and licensing procedures. He assured the ministry's readiness to engage directly with Slovenian companies and address challenges they may face in the Egyptian market. Fared also stressed the importance of coordination with Slovenia within European institutions to ensure consideration of the economic and industrial interests of countries with existing partnership agreements.
President Musar stated that Egypt represents a strong business and investment partner in the Arab world, the Middle East, and Africa. She highlighted Slovenia's open and export-oriented economy, benefiting from EU membership and access to its markets. Musar expressed her country's interest in enhancing cooperation with Egypt, leveraging opportunities in areas such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and circular economy.
President Musar emphasized the responsibility of the business communities in both countries to convert economic opportunities into tangible projects. She invited Egyptian companies to explore investment opportunities in Slovenia, noting that Slovenian companies possess expertise in areas like digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. Ahmed El-Wakil, head of the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of expanding cooperation to include trade, joint investments, and production partnerships.
El-Wakil noted that the Port of Koper serves as a gateway for Egyptian exports to Central and Eastern European markets. He also highlighted that Egyptian ports offer Slovenian companies opportunities to access Arab and African markets. The discussions aimed to strengthen economic ties and explore new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting reflects both countries' commitment to fostering economic cooperation and exploring new investment opportunities. Key areas of focus include joint manufacturing projects, digitalization, and sustainability. By enhancing trade and investment ties, Egypt and Slovenia aim to strengthen their bilateral relationship and promote economic growth.
Key points
- Egypt and Slovenia discuss enhanced trade and investment cooperation, focusing on joint manufacturing projects and priority sectors.
