Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT Minister), Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, received H.E. Suresh K. Reddy, Ambassador of India to Cairo, where the two sides discussed avenues for strengthening economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries. The meeting also reviewed a number of key issues of mutual interest aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI CEO), Eng. Mohamed El-Gawsaky; Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS), Dr. Abdelaziz El-Sherif; MIFT Assistant Minister for Investment and Promotion Affairs, Ms. Ghada Nour; Head of the Agreements and Foreign Trade Sector at MIFT, Dr. Amani El-Wesal; Advisor to MIFT Minister, Mr. Abed Mehran; Head of the Promotion Sector at GAFI, Mr. Ahmed Bedewi; and Head of the Central Department of Trade Agreements, Mr. Gomaa Madany.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of intensifying joint efforts to achieve industrial integration between Egypt and India, and to leverage the Egyptian market as a strategic launchpad for markets abroad. This is supported by Egypt’s competitive advantages, which enable preferential access to a wide range of international markets through its network of free trade agreements with regional and global economic blocs.
Dr. Farid stated that the meeting reviewed ongoing preparations for convening the seventh meeting of the Egypt–India Joint Trade Committee in Cairo in the coming period. He affirmed that the Government of Egypt is keen to provide a more competitive and attractive investment environment, grounded in transparency and clarity, supported by a robust institutional and legislative framework, alongside continued efforts to streamline procedures and remove obstacles—thereby reinforcing the role of the private sector as a key partner in development.
Moreover, MIFT Minister highlighted the Egyptian market’s strong investment appeal, underpinned by a range of competitive advantages, including cost-competitive labor, the availability of a skilled workforce, and incentives related to land allocation. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to attracting and supporting more Indian investments and giving them all the support they need particularly in light of the Government’s firm approach to promptly resolving all outstanding issues faced by Indian companies operating in Egypt.
Dr. Farid further emphasized that Egypt is keen to advance cooperation with India across a number of priority sectors, including food security, information and communications technology (ICT), healthcare and pharmaceuticals, water desalination, new and renewable energy, textiles, automotive manufacturing and components, and chemical industries—thereby fostering greater integration between the productive capacities of both countries.
In a move reflecting Egypt’s serious commitment to supporting international partners, MIFT Minister instructed that an extended meeting be held with major Indian companies to review investment opportunities, key advantages, and available incentives in the Egyptian market. The meeting will also examine challenges affecting such companies’ investments with the aim of finding drastic solutions, thereby fostering deeper and more advanced economic cooperation between the two countries.
On his part, H.E. Ambassador Reddy affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening the frameworks of joint economic cooperation between New Delhi and Cairo. He noted that the Indian business community holds Egypt’s promising investment opportunities in high regard across a wide range of priority sectors, which offer a fertile environment for growth.
The Ambassador added that India’s companies have a genuine interest in expanding their presence in the Egyptian market, capitalizing on its strategic geographic location and the investment incentives available. He also underscored the importance of intensifying joint efforts to achieve comprehensive economic development objectives in both countries.
It is worth noting that trade exchange between Egypt and India reached approximately USD 4.203 billion in 2025, marking an increase of 12%. Indian investments in Egypt span several sectors, including chemicals, infrastructure, tourism, and textiles. The state is currently targeting the attraction of more Indian investments in sectors such as renewable energy, automotive industries, and pharmaceuticals, with the aim of domesticating manufacturing and increasing export rates
