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Egypt and Malaysia are looking to deepen economic and diplomatic ties, officials said at a business and policy forum in Cairo, as both countries position themselves as regional gateways linking Southeast Asia and Africa.

At the event hosted by the Malaysian embassy, Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Amr Hamza said Cairo continues to push for de-escalation in regional conflicts, stressing its reliance on dialogue with international partners.

The session brought together diplomats, government officials, and business leaders from both sides, including Malaysia’s ambassador to Egypt Dato' Mohd Tarid Sufian, and representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Among the notable attendees were former Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia, Ragai Naser, ESAF CEO, Sameh Ali Elsawady, Managing Director of LTD- Ezz Elarab, Bassem Ashmawy, El-Araby Group CEO, Dr Mamdouh El-Araby, and Egyptian-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Deputy, Dr Mohamed Hassan.

Discussions focused heavily on expanding trade and investment, with Mohd Khairy Maidin, Trade Commissioner of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), saying bilateral trade reached a record $718 million in 2025.

"While 2024 was a year of recovery, 2025 marks a strategic shift toward high-value diversification," Maidin stated.

"We are witnessing a move toward industrial and technology-driven exports, exemplified by the full-scale export of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits to support the Proton Saga assembly plant expansion here in Egypt."

Egyptian exports to Malaysia have also grown, rising by more than 22 percent, driven mainly by agricultural products such as citrus, while potato exports surged by 146 percent.

Additionally, Malaysia is currently introducing advanced solutions in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and green energy to the Egyptian market, as Cairo and Kuala Lumpur discuss proposals to revive direct flights between their capitals, with potential involvement from AirAsia.

Both sides pointed to wider strategic alignment, with Malaysia chairing ASEAN in 2025 and Egypt recently joining the BRICS+ grouping, as they seek to expand their economic reach across regions.

Malaysia also invited Egyptian companies to participate in its international halal industry exhibition in Kuala Lumpur next year, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in food production and supply chains.

Officials said the discussions laid the groundwork for further collaboration in areas including digital transformation and trade, as both countries look to build on growing economic ties.

Source: Al-Ahram Online