State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam discussed ways to enhance trade and investment between Bangladesh and Egypt in a series of meetings in Cairo over the last couple of days.

The Egyptian entrepreneurs invited Bangladesh entrepreneurs to invest in Egypt and explore possibilities of joint collaboration in potential areas.

During his meeting with Dr. Hala Helmy Elsaid, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Shahriar Alam mentioned that Bangladesh government has successfully lowered the rate of poverty.

The Egyptian Minister briefed the State Minister for Foreign Affairs about the mega, development and welfare projects undertaken by the Egyptian government.

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Shariar Alam said Bangladesh and Egypt are working in D8 (Developing-8) for facilitation of trade.

The Egyptian Development Minister suggested that both countries may cooperate in areas like cotton production and possible production of staples.

The State Minister apprised the Egyptian Minister  of the remarkable achievements that Bangladesh has made in various socio economic areas.

He said that Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in food production and meeting demand of electricity while Bangladesh’s exports have doubled.

Shahriar Alam informed that the government is putting importance on health, education and infrastructure sectors development.

The State Minister met with Engineer Yehia Zaki, CEO of Suez Canal Economic Zone at his office on Wednesday, accompanied by Ambassador of Bangladesh in Cairo, Director General (Africa) and other officials of the Foreign Ministry.

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The CEO of Suez Canal briefed the State Minister about the activities of Suez Canal Economic zone.

He invited Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to invest in Suez Canal economic zone.

The State Minister mentioned that Bangladeshi investors may invest in suitable area in Suez Canal.

The State Minister later met with the Minister of Trade and Industry, Nevin Gamea at her office.

The Egyptian Minister was accompanied by Assistant Minister and other trade related high level officials.

Both sides reflected on potential areas of cooperation and agreed to identify potential markets.

The State Minister said the government has taken measures to enhance Bangladesh' exports to African countries terming Africa as a very potential region for cooperation.

He proposed that high level delegation may visit from Egypt to Bangladesh to find out potential areas of cooperation in trade and investment.

The State Minister also met with A. D. Khaled El-Anany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities at his office.

He expressed happiness over the decision of the Egyptian side to introduce operations of Egypt Air from Dhaka to Egypt directly.

The State Minister suggested that there may be cooperation in exchange of knowledge in hospitality and tourism sectors between Bangladesh and Egypt.

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities said the government of Egypt would offer exchange education for Bangladesh students in tourism sector with Bangladesh.

The State Minister also met with Egyptian Chamber of Industry, representatives of Apparel and Textiles and Egyptian entrepreneurs.