Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem said Egypt is keen
to strengthen industrial and economic co-operation with Japan, highlighting the
strong ties between the two countries based on mutual trust and strategic
partnership.
Relations were elevated to a strategic partnership in
2023, reflecting the shared vision of both countries’ leadership to expand
co-operation in industry, technology, investment, and sustainable development.
His remarks came during a seminar organized by the
Japanese Embassy in Cairo on trends in Japanese investment abroad and ways to
enhance co-operation with Egypt.
The event was attended by Fumio Iwai, Japan’s
ambassador to Cairo, and Inoue Hiroki, President of the Japan Business
Association.
Hashem noted that more than 100 Japanese companies
currently operate in Egypt, mainly in manufacturing, contributing to technology
transfer, job creation, and the development of industrial capabilities. These
investments cover sectors such as automotive and components, engineering,
electronics, pharmaceuticals, food industries, energy, and infrastructure.
The minister said Egypt is implementing an ambitious
strategy to develop its industrial sector, deepen local manufacturing, and
position the country as a regional hub for industry, logistics, and trade.
Egypt offers several advantages to investors,
including a strategic location connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, access to
markets of over two billion consumers through free trade agreements, and modern
infrastructure and industrial zones.
Minister Hashem also highlighted opportunities for
co-operation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy components, green
hydrogen, advanced engineering industries, and smart manufacturing. He welcomed
the idea of establishing a Japanese industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic
Zone and encouraged Japanese companies to expand investments in Egypt while
promoting greater access for Egyptian exports to the Japanese market.
Source: The Egyptian Gazette