Dr. Sherif Farouk, Egypt's Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, held talks with a high-level delegation from the European Investment Bank, led by Ulrich Brunnhuber, Head of Operations for the Middle East and North Africa region. The meeting, which took place in Cairo on September 22, 2026, aimed to enhance cooperation and support for food security and logistics projects in Egypt. The discussions focused on existing projects and proposed initiatives for 2027.
The meeting explored opportunities for cooperation in establishing a comprehensive logistics center for grains, which would support Egypt's food security system and increase storage capacity. The center would also improve the efficiency of strategic commodity trading, transportation, and storage. Both sides discussed potential support and financing from the European Investment Bank for the project, in line with Egypt-Bank cooperation priorities.
Dr. Farouk reviewed several ongoing projects and the Ministry's priorities for projects to be included in the Bank's cooperation portfolio for 2027. He emphasized the importance of directing cooperation with international financial institutions towards projects with a direct and sustainable impact on food security. The Minister highlighted that developing the storage and logistics system is a key axis for improving supply chain efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring the sustainability of strategic commodity availability.
The European Investment Bank delegation reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to continuing and enhancing cooperation with the Egyptian government, supporting projects that align with Egypt's development priorities, particularly in food security and logistics. The delegation also discussed new proposed projects and followed up on existing ones for the upcoming phase. The delegation included Inmaculada Martinez, Head of the Arab Mashreq Unit, and Katica Hagarolahovic, Loan Officer.
The visit by the European Investment Bank delegation to Cairo took place from September 22 to 24, 2026, and aimed to review existing projects and discuss new proposals. The Bank's support for Egypt's food security and logistics projects is part of its broader strategy to promote sustainable development in the region. Egypt and the European Investment Bank have a history of cooperation on various development projects.
The proposed comprehensive logistics center for grains would significantly enhance Egypt's food security system. The center would provide a centralized platform for grain storage, trading, and transportation, reducing costs and improving efficiency. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's food supply chain, ensuring a more stable and secure food supply for the Egyptian population.
Key points
- Egypt's Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Dr. Sherif Farouk, met with a high-level delegation from the European Investment Bank to discuss cooperation on food security and logistics projects.
- The meeting explored opportunities for cooperation in establishing a comprehensive logistics center for grains to support Egypt's food security system.
- The European Investment Bank reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and enhancing cooperation with the Egyptian government, supporting projects that align with Egypt's development priorities.
