Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib met with South Africa's Minister of Trade Parks Franklyn Mpho Tau on Wednesday to explore ways to boost economic relations between the two countries. The meeting reviewed an industrial cooperation agreement in the automotive sector between Egypt and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Both sides agreed that Egypt would study South Africa's proposal and develop a roadmap for implementation, ensuring the interests of Egyptian manufacturers are safeguarded. Discussions also focused on establishing mutual logistics zones, with specialists from both countries tasked with identifying suitable economic zones and ports. The ministers agreed to continue talks on setting up regular shipping lines once the logistics zones and ports are finalised. The two ministers further addressed strategic goods for expanded bilateral trade, agreeing to compile a list of targeted items. They also exchanged initial proposals for the Egypt–South Africa Joint Business Council, which is expected to be officially announced during the next meeting of the Egypt–South Africa Joint Committee. The fifth session of the joint committee is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
