Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan el Khatib had talks on Wednesday with South African Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau on an industrial cooperation agreement in the field of automobiles between Egypt and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
He emphasized the importance of the Egyptian side studying the South African proposal, with a roadmap due to be forged for the future steps regarding this proposal while taking into account the special considerations for Egyptian manufacturers.
The talks also dealt with ways to enhance economic relations between the two countries.
Khatib added that they discussed ways of establishing mutual logistics zones between Egypt and South Africa.
Both ministers confirmed that specialists from both countries would examine the proposed economic zones and ports for establishing these areas.
The minister noted that the meeting also addressed the establishment of regular shipping lines between the two countries. It was agreed to continue discussions on this matter after selecting the areas and ports designated for the establishment of the logistics zones.
Regarding identifying strategic goods targeted for increasing bilateral trade volume, it was agreed that specialists from both countries would compile a list of these goods.
The two sides also discussed establishing the Egyptian–South African Joint Business Council.
It was agreed to announce the creation of the council during the joint Egyptian–South African committee meeting.
On the timing of the fifth session of the joint Egyptian–South African committee, it was agreed to hold it during the first quarter of 2026.
