Egyptian and Zambian officials met to discuss ways to strengthen economic relations between the two countries, focusing on enhancing trade and investment cooperation. Hassan El-Khatib, the Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, met with Chipoka Mulenga, the Zambian Minister of Trade and Industry, to explore opportunities for collaboration. During the meeting, El-Khatib said both countries shared a desire to boost trade and drive economic growth, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, information technology and communications, digitisation, mining, construction, and pharmaceuticals. El-Khatib emphasised the importance of strengthening economic partnerships and exploring cooperation opportunities between business leaders from both countries, saying it reflected their commitment to deepening economic ties. He also highlighted the significance of exchanging expertise to benefit both populations. El-Khatib affirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening economic relations with Zambia, stating that Egypt is keen to explore joint investment opportunities and promote bilateral trade, especially in vital sectors that contribute to economic integration between the two countries. El-Khatib pointed to Egypt's investment advantages, including its infrastructure, skilled workforce, and free and preferential trade agreements with various countries and regional economic blocs. He also noted the importance of cooperation between the private sectors in Egypt and Zambia to establish investment partnerships that achieve economic development and support sustainable development goals. Mulenga welcomed the opportunity to strengthen economic and trade relations between Zambia and Egypt, stating that the partnership represents a significant opportunity to foster economic growth and regional integration. Mulenga said Zambia is seeking to attract more investment in sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, information technology and communications, digitisation, mining, construction, and pharmaceuticals. He added that the Zambian government is committed to providing an attractive investment environment that stimulates growth. Mulenga stressed the importance of boosting bilateral trade with Egypt, emphasising that economic cooperation between the two countries will contribute to mutual benefit and drive economic development. Mulenga said Zambia has significant potential in manufacturing and mining, which opens opportunities for cooperation with Egyptian investors. He noted that the Zambian government is working to simplify trade procedures and develop infrastructure to support investment, enhancing the competitiveness of Zambia's economy. Mulenga called on business leaders from both sides to take advantage of available opportunities to establish strategic partnerships that contribute to economic integration and emphasised the importance of exchanging expertise and knowledge.
