Egypt's agricultural exports increased 20% during the previous fiscal year, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Minister of Industry and Foreign Trade, said according to official news agency MENA. He stated that the Ministry sought to increase the value of Egyptian agricultural products in the coming months by increasing rates of production. Doing so, he said, would help open up new markets to Egyptian products and increase the desired yield on the country's economy. These statements came as Abdel Nour was accompanied by Ayman Abu Hadid, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, during the opening of the 26th Annual International Agricultural Gallery entitled "Sahari", which was attended by a number of Egyptian and foreign companies operating in a number of different sectors within the agricultural and agricultural production industry. The minister emphasised the importance of hosting the event, saying that doing so inspired confidence in the Egyptian market in addition to providing hope to domestic investors who sought to obtain additional investment within the upcoming months. He stated that this was the first of such galleries to be held since the outbreak of the events of 30 June, and is evidence of the steps being taken by the government to help stimulate Egypt's economy, in addition to the promising future the country has in store. He also emphasised the importance of the agricultural sector within Egypt's commercial and industrial system, which has witnessed speedy development as a result of higher production rates. The minister added that Egypt possessed a strong foundation through which to meet the needs of the country's farmers. He stated that the production rates of different sectors will not decrease as a result of the circumstances currently plaguing Egypt. He went on to say that Egyptian consumers have not experienced any product shortages, with the exception of fuel shortages witnessed since the previous administration. The government has worked to pay for and distribute enough gas and diesel supplies to meet the needs of citizens and companies operating in all sectors, the minister added. Meanwhile, Abu Hadid stated that the gallery put forth a real opportunity to achieve agricultural development, and was a positive step towards helping relieve the burdens felt by Egypt's peasants and farmers. He stated that Egyptian products are extremely competitive on the world market, and possess a number of benefits not seen in similar products coming from other countries.
