CAIRO: Turkey and Egypt are looking to bolster trade relations between the two countries and have signed an agreement that will establish a joint chamber of commerce to facilitate trade relations between the two countries, Egypt's ministry of trade said on Monday. According to Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarciklioglu and Egypt's Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce Chairman Ahmed al-Wakil, Cairo and Ankara inked a deal that will see the creation of the chamber of commerce. Egyptian Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid was also present during the signing ceremony in Alexandria. In his comments to the audience, the minister underlined the rapid escalation of cooperation between Turkey and Egypt in recent times. “The warm dialogue between the presidents and prime ministers of both countries has carried the relationships to a significantly high level. We also need to escalate our trade relations to match the same levels,” Rachid said. He further pointed to Turkey's successful performance in exports and its increasing share in global trade, saying Turkey has achieved significant experience in trade. He then accentuated the dexterity of the Turkish construction sector and praised its achievements in the region, especially through big projects in housing, highways and airports. “We can carry this experience to other countries by establishing partnerships. The partnership of Turkey and Egypt will not be based on competition but will be more supplementary. Moreover, with such partnerships, we can also support peace and stability in our region,” Rachid said. TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said Egypt is a crucial gate to enter the Arab world and the African continent and added that transport discussions will improve the trade volume between the two countries. BM
