Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, announced that the country is working to position itself among the world’s top 50 nations in trade and investment competitiveness within the next two years.
Speaking at the Egypt–Rwanda Business Forum—attended by Rwandan businessman Égide Gatera and Jean-Guy Africa, the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board—El-Khatib highlighted Egypt’s significant strides in infrastructure development, including modern railways, roads, and energy networks, alongside the construction of new cities. He also emphasized the country’s advances in agriculture, particularly through the adoption of smart irrigation systems and modern farming techniques that have bolstered productivity and food security.
El-Khatib reiterated Egypt’s commitment to building an investment-friendly and competitive business environment. “We have simplified business procedures, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and accelerated licensing processes to enhance ease of doing business,” he stated.
The Minister underscored the growing economic partnership between Egypt and Rwanda, pointing out that infrastructure remains a key area of cooperation. Other sectors of mutual interest include agriculture and agro-industrial development, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, education and training, knowledge transfer, and renewable energy—fields in which Egypt is eager to share its expertise to support Rwanda’s development.
According to El-Khatib, bilateral trade between Egypt and Rwanda surged to $216m in 2024, up from $68m in 2023. While he welcomed this growth, he stressed that the current figures do not reflect the full potential of the two economies. “Our ambition is to double this figure in the coming years by expanding trade, strengthening investment ties, and maximizing the benefits of existing trade agreements,” he said.
He added that the forum represents a valuable platform to deepen cooperation and share expertise, noting the importance of leveraging the two countries’ joint membership in COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Through these frameworks, we aim to facilitate the flow of goods, services, and investments, enhance regional value chains, and contribute to achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” El-Khatib concluded..
