Egypt keen to promote investment ties with Croatia — PM

Egypt is keen to promote investment and commercial ties with Croatia, especially as it has become one of the southern gateways to the European Union (EU).
This statement by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli came during his meeting yesterday with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic on his first visit to Egypt.
Bilateral trade was worth $203.9 million in the first 10 months of 2022, up from $106.8 million during the same period in 2021, the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) reported on Monday.
Croatian investment in Egypt rose 26.1 per cent to $2.9 million in fiscal year 2020-2021, CAPMAS said.
The prime minister hailed Croatia for supporting Egypt in the international arena, particularly in the EU.
For his part, Milanovic praised government efforts in economic development and national projects, which have contributed to Egypt’s stability.
The prime minister on Monday met with Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova.
“Bilateral ties between the two countries are based on cooperation and mutual understanding on different international issues,” Madbouli said, noting the importance of cooperation between the parliaments of both countries.
Madbouli went on to say his government is looking forward to more bilateral trade exchange and investment.
Trade between Egypt and Azerbaijan rose from $2 million in 2008 to $1 billion in 2021, the premier said.
Madbouli reviewed investment opportunities in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), especially in logistics.
Cairo is also looking at energy cooperation with Baku in view of the global energy crisis, he said.