Alaa Farouk, Egypt's Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, met with Suresh Reddy, India's Ambassador to Cairo, and a high-level delegation from leading Indian agricultural companies to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and foster joint investments in Egypt's agricultural sector. The meeting, which also included Mostafa El-Sayyad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Abdel Hamid Demerdash, Chairperson of the Agricultural Export Council, and other senior officials, focused on identifying promising opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. Farouk underscored the strong and longstanding ties between Egypt and India, noting that the Egyptian government is committed to creating an environment conducive to private sector investment and driving sustainable development. He highlighted the agricultural sector as one rich with potential for growth, emphasizing that joint investment could open new avenues for both nations, particularly in expanding access to international markets. Ambassador Reddy expressed India's interest in deepening cooperation with Egypt, praising the country's extensive expertise in agriculture and its strategic position as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa. The discussions centered on fostering joint foreign investments, with particular attention to specific areas such as onion production and exports, coconut cultivation techniques, and the manufacturing of feed and fertilisers. The two sides also explored opportunities for stronger collaboration between agricultural research centres in both countries, focusing on knowledge exchange in applied agricultural research. The aim is to develop innovations that will enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture, benefiting both countries. Additionally, the meeting touched on the potential for leveraging India's experience in developing agricultural cooperatives and creating opportunities for virtual meetings between specialized agricultural companies in both nations. Such interactions could allow Egyptian firms to tap into India's expertise in using agricultural by-products to improve soil quality and conserve water resources—key issues for Egypt as it seeks to boost its agricultural output while managing limited water availability. The discussions were part of the Indian delegation's participation in the 37th edition of the Sahara Expo, which took place from September 14 to 16 at the Egypt International Exhibitions Centre. The Expo provided a platform for showcasing innovations in agriculture, irrigation, and related industries, further strengthening the collaboration between Egypt and India in this critical sector. By deepening agricultural ties and exploring joint investments, both countries aim to create mutually beneficial opportunities that will not only advance their agricultural sectors but also contribute to broader economic growth and regional stability.
