High-level discussions aimed at fundamentally strengthening bilateral ties and unlocking multi-billion dollar investment opportunities were held today between the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and a prominent delegation from the Canada-Egypt Business Council (CEBC), led by its Chairman, Eng. Motaz Raslan.
The delegation featured key figures including Dr. Sherif El Gabaly, Canadian Ambassador H.E. Ulric Shannon, and Miranda Gurgis. The meeting, hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on a comprehensive roadmap to significantly expand the trade and investment portfolio between Egypt and Canada.
A central highlight of the discussion was the announcement of a high-level diplomatic follow-up: Egypt’s Minister of State for Small Developments will conduct an official inaugural visit to Canada this coming April. This visit marks a significant milestone in the “political mission” to bridge the two nations, with the CEBC taking a lead role in coordinating the mission’s agenda.
Discussions prioritized several high-growth sectors, including energy, green hydrogen, sustainable agriculture, and water resource management, while highlighting the logistical advantages of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). The delegation also reviewed specific initiatives to safeguard food and water security against climate change, including joint wheat cultivation projects and the enhancement of agricultural exports.
The Minister emphasized Egypt’s recent structural economic reforms, specifically the “One-Stop Shop” and “Golden License” frameworks designed to streamline entry for international firms. Key economic objectives outlined during the meeting include:
• Investment Growth: A strategic target to increase Canadian investments in Egypt by 10%, aiming for a total of $2.2 billion by the end of 2025.
• Private Sector Expansion: Aligning with Egypt’s national goal to increase private sector participation in the economy to 75% by 2030.
• Regional Gateway: Leveraging Egypt’s “Zero Customs” status on manufactured goods to serve as a primary gateway for Canadian products into Africa (a $12 billion market potential) and Europe.
• Human Capital: Engaging the 400,000-strong Egyptian-Canadian community as a vital conduit for technology transfer and specialized expertise.
H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty stated: “Egypt views Canada as a cornerstone strategic partner in North America. Today’s dialogue transcends traditional diplomacy; it is about building a modern economic bridge that utilizes Egypt’s position as a gateway to Africa and the Middle East. We are committed to providing Canadian investors with a transparent, high-growth environment, particularly in sectors that drive sustainable development and regional stability.”
Eng. Motaz Raslan added: “The energy and commitment witnessed today signal a transformative shift in our bilateral relations. The CEBC is dedicated to turning these diplomatic understandings into tangible, large-scale projects. By aligning Canadian technological prowess with Egypt’s vast industrial potential and strategic location, we are co-creating a future of shared prosperity and innovation.”
Beyond trade, the meeting addressed social development initiatives, including the empowerment of female refugees and the strengthening of regional vaccine manufacturing and pharmaceutical infrastructure.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint task force to monitor the progress of upcoming business missions and facilitate B2B networking events between Canadian corporations and Egyptian private sector leaders. Furthermore, both parties committed to organizing a dedicated Economic Forum to further institutionalize this strategic partnership.
