Egypt targets 15% trade growth with Tunisia

Egypt has set a target to increase trade with Tunisia by 15 percent as it seeks to develop regional economic ties.

Trade between the two countries, both of which are subject to reform programmes overseen by the International Monetary Fund, is expected to reach $485 million in 2025 from $421 million in 2024.

The plan was discussed during a visit to Tunisia by Egypt’s investment and foreign trade minister Hassan El-Khatib and Tunisian economy and planning minister Samir Abdelfattah, Egypt Today newspaper reported.

The ministers explored opportunities in sectors including agriculture, food security, tourism, manufacturing and information and communications technology.  

The visit aimed at boosting regional economic cooperation and attract international investment. Trade disruptions in the Red Sea since December 2023 have cut foreign exchange inflows from the Suez Canal by $6 billion in 2024.

• Tunisia drafts plan to merge FDI agencies into one
• Egypt to receive half of Acwa Power’s $30bn Africa investment
• Tunisia’s tough decisions: to reform or face debt default

Last week Qatar pledged to invest $7.5 billion in Egypt as the North African country seeks to attract new money and boost economic growth.

The North African nation has signed agreements with France and the European Union worth €262 million ($290 million) to support infrastructure projects.