Egypt Offers Pakistan Access to US Market via Manufacturing Partnerships

Egypt has extended a rare business invitation to Pakistani companies, urging them to establish manufacturing operations in the North African nation. In return, Egypt is offering access to the US market through its preferential trade arrangements with Washington. The proposal was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Pakistan's Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, Türkiye.

During the meeting, both ministers explored ways to expand bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, with a particular focus on the cotton and textile sectors. Saleh highlighted Egypt's investment opportunities and encouraged Pakistani businesses to explore manufacturing partnerships and industrial operations in the country. He specifically pointed to Egypt's preferential trade arrangements with the United States, which could allow Pakistani investors to establish manufacturing facilities in Egypt and access the American market, subject to applicable trade requirements.

Saleh also requested details of Pakistani companies expected to participate in an upcoming business forum to facilitate direct engagement between the two countries' business communities and identify potential investment partnerships. Additionally, he highlighted affordable educational opportunities for Pakistani students in science, technology, medicine, healthcare, and engineering.

Jam Kamal emphasized the importance of developing joint ventures between Pakistani and Egyptian private sector companies, particularly in textiles, manufacturing, and other mutually beneficial industries. He noted that stronger business-to-business engagement and institutional cooperation could help both countries expand commercial ties and explore new international markets.

In a separate meeting, Kamal met with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Governor for International Organizations and Agreements, Fareed S. Alasaly, to discuss cooperation in agriculture, industrial development, human resource development, livestock, and food security. Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration, and the commerce minister proposed partnerships between leading Pakistani and Saudi businesses to explore emerging trade opportunities in African markets.

Kamal also held talks with Tunisia's Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, on expanding bilateral trade and industrial cooperation. Both ministers acknowledged that trade between the two countries remains below its potential and called for coordinated efforts to strengthen commercial ties.