‘Egypt, New Zealand signed new co-operation in food safety field’

By Ibrahim Mohamed

Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority, Dr. Tareq el-Houby, signed an agreement for co-operation with New Zealand in the field of food safety.

The agreement was signed by Amy Lawrenson, Ambassador of New Zealand in Cairo, on behalf of New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries.

El-Houby noted that Egypt is an important trading partner for New Zealand and is the second largest export market for New Zealand for Africa.

There are also several collaborative partnerships between New Zealand exporters and Egyptian food manufacturers who import high-quality ingredients such as butter, cheese, and milk that are later used in food products produced by Egypt for sale in the domestic market and export to global markets.

In contrast, Egypt’s exports of agricultural food products to New Zealand include frozen strawberries, oranges, and dried onions.

Regional Agricultural Advisor at the Embassy of New Zealand in Dubai, Andrew Buffett, explained that New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries was pleased to conclude the signing of the framework agreement, stating that the agreement was the product of more than two years of negotiations.

Lawrenson said that the signing of the agreement for co-operation underscored mutual commitment to food safety regulations and the development of trade relations between Egypt and New Zealand.

It aims to ensure the protection of consumer health in both countries and facilitate trade in safe foods between the parties in the area of health and related measures.

This agreement will enhance technical co-operation between Egypt and New Zealand, support steps to facilitate trade between the two countries, and contribute to facilitating trade.

The two sides will work together to fully recognise the parties’ food safety regulations.

Both the Egyptian and New Zealand sides stressed the depth of relations with their long history of co-operation, and appreciated the partnership between NFSA and the Ministry of Primary Industries to promote trade between the two countries.