Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Co-operation Rania el-Mashat has opened the Egypt-Albanian Business Forum in Tirana, along with Albanian Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj.
Egypt’s ambassador to Albania Hassan Shawky and a number of private-sector representatives from tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, construction and other areas of mutual interest are taking part in the event.
The forum comes as part of the first session of the Egyptian-Albanian Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Monday.
In her address, Mashat said the first business forum between the two countries marks an important milestone in relations between Egypt and Albania.
She said convening the first session of the joint committee since 1993 reflects a shared political will to elevate bilateral ties and move them from intentions and aspirations to tangible economic, scientific and technical cooperation, in line with the development priorities of both countries.
The planning minister added that the agreement to establish a joint Egyptian-Albanian business council would help strengthen future relations, given its expected role in boosting trade volume, promoting joint investments and creating constructive partnerships between the two countries’ private sectors.
Mashat reviewed recent economic and structural reforms in Egypt, as well as earlier government measures that have enhanced the readiness of the Egyptian economy to attract different investments, citing the continuation of reforms aimed at providing further incentives for the private sector.
She calls on Albanian companies to invest in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which serves as a gateway for Albanian investments and exports to regional and international markets.
The planning minister underlined that joint governmental committees remain key tools for deepening cooperation, exploring new investment opportunities and supporting private-sector participation.
Mashat stated that the protocol of the first session of the joint committee covers a wide range of strategic sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, energy, water, agriculture, higher education, health, information technology and communications, civil aviation, environment, youth and sports, culture and others, reflecting a shared vision for a comprehensive partnership.
She said that Egypt would continue to implement an ambitious economic reform program aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, improving the investment climate and expanding the role of the private sector.
The minister added that the Egypt-Albania business forum provides an ideal platform to explore new horizons, exchange expertise and build practical partnerships in line with shared aspirations for prosperity.
Mashat concluded by voicing hope that the partnership between the two countries would continue to grow through expanded trade, increased investment and deeper cooperation across various fields.
