Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania al-Mashat, highlighted the significant progress in Egyptian-Uzbek relations during the 7th session of the Egyptian-Uzbek Joint Ministerial Committee, held in Tashkent on December 25, 2024. The session, which took place after a 15-year hiatus, underscored the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, furthering economic, scientific, and technical cooperation.
Al-Mashat emphasized that the session’s successful convening was a direct result of the historic visit by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Uzbekistan in 2018, which paved the way for deeper collaboration across a range of sectors. She noted that both Egypt and Uzbekistan’s strategic locations—Egypt as a gateway to Africa and Uzbekistan as a hub for Central Asia—presented significant opportunities for mutual growth and investment.
Despite the potential for enhanced trade and investment, Al-Mashat acknowledged that the volume of bilateral exchanges remains below expectations. With only 24 Uzbek companies currently operating in Egypt, mostly in tourism, telecommunications, agriculture, and IT, she underscored the need to improve business ties and expand cooperation in various industries.
Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Kudratov Laziz, expressed his country’s commitment to advancing ties with Egypt, aiming to raise trade exchange to $500 million in the coming years. He highlighted the importance of establishing a digital commercial platform for both countries and supported the creation of an Egyptian-Uzbek Business Council to foster private sector partnerships.
The meeting also saw discussions about increasing joint efforts in technology, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, and the potential for expanded cooperation in regional projects. Both ministers agreed that strengthening banking relations would provide a solid foundation for expanding the business community’s activities.
Attended by senior officials from both countries, the session marked a pivotal moment in the diplomatic and economic ties between Egypt and Uzbekistan. Egypt’s continued diplomatic engagement with Uzbekistan, particularly since the opening of its embassy in 1995, demonstrates the country’s dedication to fostering enduring partnerships that meet the aspirations of both nations.
