The Philippines and Egypt are currently in discussions to enhance trade partnerships, capitalizing on the opportunities each economy offers. Trade Secretary Ma. Christina Roque disclosed to journalists on Monday that potential products for this trade agreement include Egyptian cotton production.
Exploring Fabric and Vegetable Trade
Roque noted that Egypt is considering fabric production in the Philippines, as well as vegetable exports, which are among Egypt's primary products. She emphasized that trade with Egypt currently represents a very small fraction of the Philippines' total trade volume.
Exploratory Phase
“Not too much. So they’re trying to find ways for us to really strengthen the trade. So it’s really exploratory,” Roque said. The Trade chief revealed that a delegation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was scheduled to visit Egypt last year, but the trip was postponed due to certain issues.
Diplomatic Engagements
The DTI, in a recent Facebook post, stated that Roque met with Egyptian Ambassador H.E. Nader Zaki to discuss preparations for the upcoming visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty. The meeting aimed to explore opportunities to strengthen Philippines-Egypt economic relations.
“Discussions focused on a proposed business roundtable, bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and potential partnerships in agriculture and the Suez Canal Economic Zone, reflecting both countries’ commitment to deeper economic engagement,” the DTI added.
