Strengthening Trade Between Egypt and India: Insights from Minister El Khatib
Egypt’s Minister El Khatib underscores the need to enhance trade with India, focusing on sectors like food and energy security. Highlighting potential growth, he emphasizes tripling trade volumes and addressing logistical challenges in African trade. El Khatib discusses Egypt’s commitment to competitiveness amid evolving global economic dynamics.
In a recent discussion at the 2025 Raisina Dialogue, Egypt’s Minister for Investment and Trade, El Khatib, emphasized the immense potential for increased trade between India and Egypt. He noted that while their trade relationship is currently modest, both nations should aim to triple or quadruple trade volumes, recognizing that “trade and investment are the lifeblood of economies.”
El Khatib highlighted food and energy security as sectors ripe for collaboration between the two nations. He expressed Egypt’s ambition to become a green energy hub, discussing plans to add 65 GW of energy by 2040, predominantly from renewable sources. The incorporation of green hydrogen could further enhance this capacity as pricing issues in the industry are resolved.
Addressing geopolitical changes, El Khatib remarked on the shift from globalization towards protectionism. He stated, “Globalization, as we’ve lived it for the past three to four decades, is fading away,” and stressed the importance for Egypt to maintain competitiveness in a challenging region. The Egyptian government is working to create a favorable business environment to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and utilize infrastructure investments effectively.
Despite existing economic strides, Egypt’s surrounding environment remains unpredictable. El Khatib maintained a positive perspective on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, stating the country’s trade agreements give access to 70 markets. However, he acknowledged challenges such as logistics and costs that impede trading efficiency, advocating for a balanced approach to trade with Africa focusing on importing goods and enhancing industrialization.
In conclusion, El Khatib’s insights underscore the significant potential for enhanced trade between Egypt and India, emphasizing the critical sectors of food and energy security for collaboration. He pointed out the impacts of geopolitical shifts towards protectionism and stressed Egypt’s efforts to remain competitive while navigating these challenges. With a proactive approach to trade agreements and infrastructure development, Egypt aims to strengthen its economic position within Africa and beyond.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
