Egypt and Albania have held the first session of their joint committee since 1993, a move officials described as a step toward utilising their respective geographic locations to expand access to African and European markets.
The meeting in Tirana, which included a joint business forum, aimed to revitalise economic ties and increase bilateral trade and investment.
Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, stated that the committee serves as a tool for economic diplomacy to explore partnership opportunities. She highlighted the potential for Egyptian companies to use Albania as a gateway to Southern Europe and the Western Balkans.
“The joint committees are an effective tool… to expand the horizons of economic cooperation,” Al-Mashat said, noting that Albania’s infrastructure networks and proximity to major transport corridors position it as a trade hub.
Conversely, Al-Mashat presented Egypt as a strategic centre for Albanian partners seeking entry into African, Middle Eastern, and Arab markets. She cited the Suez Canal Economic Zone, free trade agreements, and developments in renewable energy, logistics, and industrial development as key assets.
Albanian Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said the government aims to translate historical political relations into “tangible benefits” for both economies.
Ibrahimaj identified the promotion of foreign direct investment and increased trade exchange as top priorities. She outlined a broad range of sectors for expanded cooperation, including tourism, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, maritime transport, and information technology.
Both sides emphasised that the integration between the two economies provides a basis for supporting joint development priorities.
