Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem said Egypt is keen to strengthen industrial and economic co-operation with Japan, highlighting the strong ties between the two countries based on mutual trust and strategic partnership.
Relations were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2023, reflecting the shared vision of both countries’ leadership to expand co-operation in industry, technology, investment, and sustainable development.
His remarks came during a seminar organised by the Japanese Embassy in Cairo on trends in Japanese investment abroad and ways to enhance co-operation with Egypt.
The event was attended by Fumio Iwai, Japan’s ambassador to Cairo, and Inoue Hiroki, President of the Japan Business Association.
Hashem noted that more than 100 Japanese companies currently operate in Egypt, mainly in manufacturing, contributing to technology transfer, job creation, and the development of industrial capabilities. These investments cover sectors such as automotive and components, engineering, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food industries, energy, and infrastructure.
The minister said Egypt is implementing an ambitious strategy to develop its industrial sector, deepen local manufacturing, and position the country as a regional hub for industry, logistics, and trade.
Egypt offers several advantages to investors, including a strategic location connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, access to markets of over two billion consumers through free trade agreements, and modern infrastructure and industrial zones.
Minister Hashem also highlighted opportunities for co-operation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy components, green hydrogen, advanced engineering industries, and smart manufacturing. He welcomed the idea of establishing a Japanese industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and encouraged Japanese companies to expand investments in Egypt while promoting greater access for Egyptian exports to the Japanese market.
