Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Wednesday opened the first Egyptian-Nigerien Business Forum in Niger capital Niamey, leading a delegation of 30 top Egyptian companies in a push to boost trade and investment, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. The forum was attended by Abdelatty's Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, and Minister of Trade and Industry, Abdoulaye Sidou. The Egyptian business delegation was led by the head of the African Cooperation Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Industries and included representatives from the country's medical export council, petroleum corporation, and mineral resources authority. Participating Egyptian companies included Elsewedy Electric, Orascom Construction, Arab Contractors, Samcrete, Polyserve for Fertilizers and Chemicals, Al-Marakby Steel, and Ameriya for Spinning and Weaving. The ministry said the forum provided an opportunity to explore joint projects in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, and renewable energy. In his opening remarks, Abdelatty praised the historical ties between the two countries, which he said have seen significant momentum recently. He stressed that these growing relations require parallel efforts in investment, trade, and economic integration. "The convening of this joint forum… represents a real beginning for a new stage of economic cooperation between the two countries," Abdelatty said, adding that Egyptian companies have extensive experience and a proven track record in infrastructure, energy, and construction projects across Africa. He called on participants to explore available cooperation opportunities and build sustainable partnerships based on mutual interests. For his part, Niger's Minister of Trade and Industry, Abdoulaye Sidou, expressed his deep appreciation for the participation of the high-level Egyptian delegation. He praised Egypt's advanced industrial and investment capabilities and said the presence of the large delegation sent a strong message of Egypt's keenness to support development in Niger and enhance public-private partnerships. Prior to the forum's opening, Abdelatty held a trilateral meeting with the Nigerien foreign and trade ministers to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations. The forum is a key event in Abdelatty's multi-nation tour of West Africa, which is aimed at strengthening Egypt's political and economic ties with the region.
