Egypt’s Minister for Investment and Trade, El Khatib, calls for a significant increase in trade with India, highlighting potential collaboration in food and energy sectors. During the 2025 Raisina Dialogue, he discussed the challenges and opportunities in the current global economic landscape and Africa’s trade dynamics. El Khatib emphasized Egypt’s ambition to become a green energy hub and the importance of fostering industrialization within African trade agreements.
In a recent interview, Egypt’s Minister for Investment and Trade, El Khatib, emphasized the significant potential for increased trade between Egypt and India. Speaking with Mihir Swarup Sharma during the 2025 Raisina Dialogue, El Khatib remarked that the current trade volume is considerably less than what it could be. He advocated discussions aimed at tripling or quadrupling trade, rather than just modest increases of 10-20%.
El Khatib remarked, “I have visited India as a tourist in the past, and I see a lot of interest from Indians in visiting Egypt. When I come here, I feel at home.” He reiterated the necessity for enhancing trade between the two nations by stating, “Trade and investment are the lifeblood of economies.”
The Minister highlighted food and energy security as key areas for collaboration. El Khatib revealed Egypt’s ambition to become a green energy hub, planning to add 65 GW of energy, predominantly from green sources, by 2040. He stated, “Egypt has plenty of land, sunshine, and strong winds along the Red Sea” and discussed ongoing collaborations with various international players, including Indian companies.
While discussing global economic shifts, he noted, “Globalization, as we’ve lived it for the past three to four decades, is fading away.” El Khatib warned against the rising tide of nationalism and protectionism, particularly in the wake of recent U.S. policies and European political dynamics.
El Khatib underlined Egypt’s focus on competitiveness within a challenging regional environment. He declared, “We want to create a business environment that is conducive for the private sector to prosper and invest.” He also outlined Egypt’s efforts after the revolutions in 2011 and 2013 to revitalize its economy through extensive infrastructure projects.
On Africa’s economic landscape, El Khatib expressed optimism regarding the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and highlighted Egypt’s various trade agreements that provide access to multiple markets. He recognized challenges within Africa, particularly concerning logistics and transportation, noting, “The cost of shipping is a major deterrent,” and emphasized the need for balanced trade practices.
El Khatib concluded with a commitment to fostering industrialization in Africa rather than merely exporting raw materials, stressing the importance of understanding mutual imports and exports between Egypt and its African counterparts.
In conclusion, Minister El Khatib’s insights reveal substantial opportunities for enhancing trade and collaboration between Egypt and India, particularly in the fields of energy and food security. His analysis of the changing global landscape highlights the need for adaptability within Egypt’s economic strategies. Moreover, his commitment to fostering African trade points towards a vision for balance and industrial development in the continent, emphasizing a proactive approach in navigating current challenges.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
