As part of his participation in the World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha, Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid met on Monday with John W.H. Denton, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), to discuss ways to enhance trade facilitation, support export growth and improve the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.
The discussions focused on the impact of global trade policy shifts and protectionist measures on emerging economies, particularly export-oriented industries facing challenges in accessing international markets. The two sides explored co-operation on analytical studies based on data and private-sector expertise to support export competitiveness and help shape more balanced trade policies.
Farid stressed the importance of strengthening co-operation with the ICC to broaden export opportunities for Egyptian companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and expand their access to African, Latin American and other promising markets.
The meeting also reviewed efforts to diversify export destinations and increase the number of exporters by leveraging the ICC’s international network to create new trade opportunities for Egyptian businesses.
The ICC presented an Arabic-language digital platform designed to help companies identify export opportunities and understand market-entry requirements worldwide. The proposal will be reviewed by relevant technical teams to assess how it can support and enhance digital services offered to Egyptian exporters.
Farid also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to modernise customs procedures, simplify clearance processes and reduce the time and cost of moving goods, while discussing opportunities to benefit from the ICC’s Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Digital Standards Initiative, particularly in electronic document exchange and capacity building.
The meeting further addressed supply chain challenges, including initiatives aimed at facilitating fertiliser trade through international shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, with proposals to be examined in co-ordination with the relevant Egyptian authorities.
