Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are advancing efforts to conclude negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to boost investment flows and economic competitiveness. Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib highlighted this during a meeting in Cairo with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. The discussions focused on aligning perspectives to achieve mutual benefits.
In a meeting held in Cairo, the two ministers, Hassan El-Khatib and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, reviewed the latest progress in negotiations for the comprehensive economic partnership agreement. El-Khatib emphasized that the upcoming phase demands intensified joint efforts to resolve outstanding issues, ensuring a balanced framework that benefits both sides. He identified key sectors for future cooperation, including textiles, engineering, and chemicals, stressing the need to capitalize on opportunities and implement practical measures for concrete outcomes.
El-Khatib stated: "The agreement aims to enhance the flow of investments, particularly in productive sectors with added value, while maintaining flexible rules to regulate trade and support the competitiveness of both the Egyptian and Emirati economies."
The talks also covered digital trade and services. El-Khatib affirmed Egypt's full support for initiatives to attract investments and improve the business environment. For his part, Al Zeyoudi expressed the UAE's commitment to the economic partnership to strengthen regional and international competitiveness. He anticipated completing technical discussions and building on existing advancements to unlock new prospects in trade and investment, while promoting private sector involvement through transparency and economic integration.
The meeting was attended by a senior Egyptian delegation, including Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, Minister Plenipotentiary Abdel Aziz el-Sherif, and Ministers Plenipotentiary Tamer Mostafa and Mohamed Abdullah, along with Iman Rifaat and Gomaa Madani. The UAE side included Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, Mohammed Al Ramsi, Ayoub Ahli, and Waleed Al Khamiri.
