By Ebi Kesiena
Egypt and Morocco have taken a significant step towards deepening economic cooperation with the launch of the Egypt-Morocco Investment and Trade Forum, held in Cairo on Sunday.
The forum was inaugurated by Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, who welcomed his Moroccan counterpart, Minister of Foreign Trade Omar Hejira, and his accompanying delegation.
In his opening remarks, El-Khatib expressed optimism that the forum would usher in a new era of bilateral collaboration, particularly in boosting trade flows and balancing trade volumes between the two countries. He acknowledged the current disparity in trade—especially in Morocco’s exports to Egypt, and underscored the need for sustained dialogue and joint initiatives to correct the imbalance.
El-Khatib called attention to the strategic importance of leveraging existing regional trade frameworks such as the Agadir Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These agreements, he noted, provide an important platform for both countries to increase market access, expand export capacity, and establish cross-border industrial partnerships.
The minister also outlined Egypt’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business climate and encouraging foreign investment. These include simplifying customs procedures, streamlining regulatory processes, and enhancing infrastructure—all part of broader efforts to make Egypt a more attractive destination for Moroccan investors.
Calling on business leaders from both sides, El-Khatib emphasised the need for coordinated efforts in presenting viable proposals that could accelerate industrial development, boost trade volume, and drive mutual investment. He stressed that this is particularly vital in light of global economic shifts and regional geopolitical uncertainties.
The forum, according to both ministers, signals a renewed commitment by Egypt and Morocco to sustainable development and greater regional economic integration. It also reflects their shared vision of building resilient economies through innovation, private sector engagement, and strategic partnerships.
