, according to Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, as the two nations move to expand a bilateral trade relationship that surpassed $1bn in 2024. Contents * Infrastructure and Reconstruction Initiatives * Industrial and Energy Co-operation * Financial Reform and Bilateral Attendance Speaking at an economic forum at the Beirut Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday, Madbouly stated that Egypt views Lebanon as a pivotal and strategic economic partner rather than merely a political ally. He emphasised that the Egyptian government considers the private sector the true engine of growth and believes that Egyptian-Lebanese co-operation, if properly invested, can serve as a successful model for Arab economic integration. During expanded bilateral discussions at the Government Palace with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the two sides reviewed the implementation of agreements reached during the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee held in Cairo last month. Madbouly noted that while trade has grown steadily over the past four years, it remains below the potential of both countries, prompting a commitment to remove procedural barriers and encourage direct partnerships between Egyptian and Lebanese firms. Infrastructure and Reconstruction Initiatives A central pillar of the talks focused on the urgent requirements for reconstruction in Lebanon, particularly in the south. Madbouly highlighted critical needs in the infrastructure, electricity, water, roads, and telecommunications sectors, asserting that Egyptian public and private companies possess the accumulated experience to execute major projects in these fields. He clarified that the proposed involvement extends beyond exporting services to a long-term partnership involving the transfer of expertise, training of personnel, and joint investment utilizing available Arab and international funding. Industrial and Energy Co-operation Regarding industrial development, Kamel al-Wazir, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, confirmed that a dedicated point of contact would be appointed to coordinate with Lebanese authorities. Al-Wazir proposed the establishment of maritime shipping lines to facilitate the movement of goods and noted the potential for land transport via neighbouring states. He emphasised that Egyptian products are ready to meet Lebanese market demands, which would simultaneously boost bilateral trade volumes. In the energy sector, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat discussed co-operation in developing electrical infrastructure and localising components for renewable energy stations. This was complemented by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi, who outlined plans for partnership in oil and gas exploration and the development of domestic gas networks in Lebanon. Badawi stated that Egypt is prepared to meet Lebanon's natural gas needs as it increases production to cement its position as a regional energy hub. Joseph al-Sada, the Lebanese Minister of Energy and Water, confirmed that continuous communication is maintained between the ministries to activate these natural gas and renewable energy projects. Financial Reform and Bilateral Attendance The Lebanese Minister of Finance, Yassin Jaber, noted that his ministry is coordinating with the Egyptian Ministry of Finance to exchange expertise in taxation and the implementation of electronic invoicing. This aligns with Prime Minister Salam's confirmation of Lebanon's commitment to economic reform and the centralisation of state authority to ensure a stable investment climate. The discussions were attended by an Egyptian delegation including Kamel al-Wazir, Mahmoud Esmat, Karim Badawi, and Ambassador Alaa Moussa. The Lebanese side was represented by Foreign Minister Youssef Reji, Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, Industry Minister Djo Issa el-Khoury, Energy Minister Joseph al-Sada, Economy Minister Amer al-Bsat, and Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamny, alongside the Lebanese Ambassador to Egypt, Ali al-Halabi. Madbouly concluded by affirming that the Egyptian government remains open to working through joint committees and business forums to ensure the transition from diplomatic intentions to tangible economic projects.
