Egypt-Tanzania Strengthens Bilateral Trade Ties

DAR ES SALAAM: H.E. Ambassador Sherif Ismail, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Tanzania, inaugurated the Egypt-Tanzania Business Conference, marking the beginning of an Egyptian trade mission to Tanzania.

The event, organized by the Egyptian Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilizers in collaboration with the Export Council for Building Materials, Refractories, and Metallurgical Commodities, and coordinated with the Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS).

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sherif Ismail emphasized the strategic importance of the forum in deepening economic and trade relations between Egypt and Tanzania.

He highlighted the complementary resources and economic potential of both nations, which contribute to sustainable development.

The ambassador reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to fostering investment and trade with Tanzania by creating a conducive business environment and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Mohamed Attaya, Head of the Egyptian Commercial Office in Tanzania, emphasized the importance of collaboration, highlighting the presence of 23 Egyptian companies representing 10 key sectors, including chemicals, fertilizers, agriculture, and manufacturing.

He noted that Egyptian companies had visited local markets, such as Kariakoo, and would further explore factory visits.

“The potential is unlimited, but the main opportunity lies in the agricultural sector,” Mr. Attaya said.

He pointed out that one of the main challenges in bilateral trade has been the absence of a free trade agreement between Tanzania and Egypt, as Tanzania is not part of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

However, efforts are underway to facilitate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

On her part, Dr. Latifa Khamis, Director General of TANTRADE, described the forum as a significant opportunity for Tanzanian businesses to form strategic partnerships with Egyptian counterparts.

“Egypt has advanced significantly in agriculture, and Tanzania provides a favorable environment for investment. We have already engaged in discussions with Egyptian firms, and I encourage local businesses to seize these opportunities,” Dr. Khamis said.

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She noted that sectors such as fertilizers, chemicals, and seeds present lucrative investment prospects, adding that Egypt was recognized as an outstanding international participant during the Sabasaba Trade Fair last year.

Representing the Chemicals and Fertilizers Export Council of Egypt, Mr. Mohamed Mageed reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to expanding trade relations with Tanzania.

He emphasized the longstanding political and economic ties between the two nations and called for increased collaboration in building materials, industrial chemicals, steel, agriculture, and plastics.

“Tanzania presents immense potential, and we are looking to expand our presence here. With over 100 fertilizer products, we are engaging with traders and relevant authorities to facilitate partnerships that will move beyond imports to technology transfer and local production,” Mr. Mageed said.

Tanzanian participants praised the forum for opening doors to new market opportunities in Egypt, as well as creating avenues for potential local manufacturing partnerships.

The opening session was moderated by Mr. Ahmed Abdel Fattah, Executive Director of the Export Council for Building Materials, Refractories, and Metallurgical Commodities, who encouraged participants to maximize the opportunities presented by this event to strengthen mutual collaboration and unlock new avenues for investment and trade.

This conference is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to expand the presence of Egyptian exports and products in African markets while enhancing economic and trade cooperation with African nations, fostering mutual interests, and promoting sustainable development in cooperation with TANTRADE and the Egyptian Embassy, is part of ongoing efforts to boost economic diplomacy and foster long-term business engagements between Tanzania and Egypt.