Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib called for strengthening economic ties between Egypt and Morocco, in a way that meets the two countries’ aspirations.
Khatib’s remarks came during his meeting with Morocco’s Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade in charge of Foreign Trade Omar Hejira, on the sidelines of the 4th Ministerial Retreat of the Council of Trade Ministers, which is held in Cairo on September 15 and 16.
The two sides discussed means of fostering economic relations between both countries and a number of issues of common concern at the bilateral and regional levels.
Khatib stressed the need to establish balanced bilateral trade relations that serve the interests of both economies, highlighting the importance of fostering investment cooperation to help achieve economic integration between the two nations.
The investment minister stated Egypt is currently working on an action plan to boost trade relations with African nations.
The plan includes the establishment of six logistics hubs for Egyptian products in key African countries, with the aim of improving and developing the logistics and transport network between Egypt and the continent, he illustrated.
He noted Morocco is among the most important countries Egypt hopes will serve as a gateway for its products to North and West Africa, especially given the kingdom’s strong presence in West African markets.
Khatib underscored the significance of advancing joint efforts to balance trade, create more job opportunities, and protect local industries in both countries.
For his part, Hejira, stressed his country’s keenness to strengthen frameworks for joint economic cooperation with Egypt, in a way that serves the interest of both nations and their peoples.
The Moroccan official urged for uniting efforts among Arab countries to face global economic challenges, underlining the need to expand economic cooperation with Egypt and to benefit from its significant economic potential.
He stressed the importance of achieving industrial integration between the two countries, particularly in the automotive and textile sectors.
The meeting also tackled preparations for the upcoming session of the Joint Egyptian-Moroccan Trade Committee, scheduled to be held in Marrakech in December. A ministerial meeting, a business forum, and a trade exhibition will be held on the sidelines of the committee’s activities.
