The meeting focused on reviewing the activities and
performance of the Commercial Service, as well as discussing Egypt’s current
economic trends and key priorities for the country’s foreign economic policy in
the upcoming period.
The session was attended by Dr. Abdel Aziz El-Sherif,
Minister Plenipotentiary for Trade and Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service.
El-Khatib highlighted several critical issues the ministry
is addressing to support investors and streamline Egypt’s foreign trade. These
include upgrading the customs clearance system, enhancing operational
efficiency at customs ports, and accelerating the digital transformation of
trade and investment procedures. He underscored the importance of implementing
the ministry’s long-term strategic vision, which integrates monetary, fiscal,
and trade policies aimed at achieving comprehensive economic development. This
integrated policy approach, he noted, plays a key role in shaping foreign
investors’ decisions regarding the Egyptian market.
He emphasized the vital role of the Commercial Service in
Egypt’s economic landscape, describing it as a central driver of economic and
trade cooperation between Egypt and the global market. He called on commercial
offices abroad to effectively fulfill their roles in studying foreign markets,
engaging with exporters and importers, promoting Egyptian products, and
providing trade intelligence to stakeholders.
He further explained that the Commercial Service serves as
the economic arm of Egyptian diplomacy abroad and is the primary mechanism for
advancing Egypt’s international economic relations, both bilaterally and
multilaterally. The Service also plays a crucial role in opening new markets
for Egyptian products and must strengthen its coordination with all relevant
national bodies involved in foreign trade and investment.
The Minister stressed the importance of maximizing the
benefits of international trade agreements to reduce the trade deficit and
ensure balanced trade relations with key global partners.
El-Khatib also noted that a package of economic, trade, and
investment reforms is currently being finalized and is expected to be completed
before September. These reforms aim to attract more foreign direct investment
and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian exports in global markets.
In conclusion, the Minister expressed his appreciation for the professionalism and accumulated expertise of the Commercial Service staff, emphasizing their pivotal role in engaging foreign business communities, expanding Egypt’s export reach, and promoting the country as a competitive and attractive investment destination.