Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reviewed a national export development strategy and the implementation of 112 proposals from export councils on Sunday to stimulate local production, increase non-petroleum exports, and attract foreign direct investment.
During a meeting attended by Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, Madbouly stated that empowering the private sector and enhancing the global competitiveness of Egyptian products are the primary pillars for achieving unprecedented export levels. He stressed the need to remove procedural and regulatory obstacles to localise strategic industries, rationalise the import bill, and create a stable climate for foreign direct investment.
Farid presented a report on non-petroleum trade performance from January 2022 to August 2026, noting an improvement in the trade balance during 2025 driven by positive export growth. He added that imports of production inputs rose notably between January and August 2026, reflecting sustained demand for manufacturing inputs and strategic commodities.
Outlining the Egyptian Export Development Strategy, Farid said the roadmap focuses on upgrading logistics, facilitating express sea and air freight, and encouraging manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies. The strategy prioritises enabling companies to meet environmental sustainability requirements, obtain global quality accreditation, and invest in specialised training for technical staff.
To support geographical development, the strategy introduces specific incentives for export projects in Upper Egypt and border governorates. It also targets enhanced international market presence by facilitating participation in specialised exhibitions, supporting e-commerce registration, and establishing a global identity for Egyptian brands.
Farid detailed that recent meetings with 12 export councils generated 112 practical proposals to address production and export challenges. These measures include direct actions by the Export Development Fund to expedite the disbursement of export dues and support trade exhibitions.
Further proposals require cross-ministry coordination to localise manufacturing, provide land and energy, ease customs and logistical procedures, and resolve financial and tax issues. Farid confirmed that the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade has begun executing these proposals alongside relevant government bodies, establishing regular follow-up mechanisms to improve the export burden reduction system and accelerate logistical and financial flows.
