Mohamed Atta Gad, chairperson of Mag Group for Trade and Investment, joined a meeting with Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, alongside private sector representatives and Egyptian companies, to bolster coordination between economic diplomacy and the business community. The gathering aimed to enhance cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the private sector, reinforcing Egyptian firms' role in expanding economic presence across Africa and supporting sustainable development goals.
In the meeting, the Foreign Minister highlighted the private sector's pivotal role in deepening economic ties with African nations, boosting trade volumes, and drawing joint investments. Atta Gad praised the ministry's dedication to collaborating with African governments and institutions to foster a more favorable business environment for Egyptian companies, tackling regulatory and procedural hurdles while establishing direct communication channels with pertinent authorities. These initiatives help enhance market access and bolster the competitiveness of Egyptian firms in African markets.
Atta Gad also underscored the need to tap into Africa's immense economic potential and broaden private sector involvement in development and investment projects. He called for tighter integration between diplomatic endeavors and economic strategies, along with increased participation of private sector figures in official foreign trips and economic delegations, which would ease Egyptian companies' entry into African markets and advance shared economic benefits.
The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in high-value sectors such as infrastructure, energy, transport and logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Emphasis was placed on fortifying banking and financial services in African markets and aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as engines of sustainable growth.
Mag Group offers a wide array of services throughout Africa, including the supply of strategic commodities, supply chain management, road infrastructure development, and comprehensive logistics solutions, aligning with Egypt's strategy to deepen ties with African countries. The group has confronted major barriers to Egyptian exports to Africa, especially in landlocked nations facing steep transportation and logistics costs. It has secured deals with various African countries to provide Egyptian goods like iron, cement, fertilizers, agricultural products, and petroleum derivatives.
Mag Group's emphasis on Africa demonstrates a firm commitment to enhancing both economic and political relations across the continent. The group seeks to promote regional integration and economic progress by activating free trade agreements, spurring joint investments, elevating intra-African trade, and amplifying Egyptian investments, while contributing to peace and security efforts in Africa.
Established in 1997, Mag Group began with transportation and logistics services for governmental and commercial clients before venturing into international trade, importing and exporting strategic commodities across Africa and the Middle East, and investing in renewable energy, infrastructure, and healthcare. Its achievements in Africa include infrastructure projects connecting Egypt and Sudan, a mining venture in Chad, and integrated logistics operations supporting Sudan, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Chad.
