Egypt’s agriculture minister promises to remove export barriers

EGYPT – Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, has committed to eliminating barriers to agricultural exports, emphasizing the importance of this sector for the country’s economy.

In a recent meeting with key agricultural figures, Farouk highlighted the crucial role exports play in generating foreign currency, aiding industrial development, and ensuring the availability of production inputs.

“We are working to remove all export barriers,” Farouk announced during the meeting, which included representatives from the Egyptian House of Representatives, the Senate, and prominent agricultural investors.

The Minister emphasized that expanding agricultural land to create a surplus for export and enhancing agricultural processing are vital steps in boosting Egypt’s economy.

“The success of Egypt’s processed agricultural exports complements our fresh produce exports,” he added.

Farouk also pointed out the state’s efforts to increase agricultural land, which would create a surplus for export. He noted that agricultural processing not only adds value but also creates jobs and reduces waste, thus contributing to overall economic growth.

The Minister acknowledged the private sector’s contributions to increasing Egypt’s agricultural exports, which reached over 7.3 million tons of fresh agricultural products last year.

He stressed the need for ongoing collaboration between the government and the private sector, along with integrating scientific research with investment efforts.

“My office is open to any serious proposals or ideas for projects that could add value to the sector,” Farouk said, inviting exporters and investors to bring forward their suggestions. He also praised the work of researchers in the Ministry of Agriculture, stating that their expertise is a significant asset to the country.

Farouk pointed to Egypt’s recent infrastructure developments, including water treatment and desalination plants, as factors that position the country as a leading economy in the Arab world.

These advancements, he argued, are crucial for closing the food gap, boosting agricultural exports, and generating foreign currency.

Egypt’s private agricultural sector, according to Hesham Al-Hosary, Chairperson of the Agriculture and Irrigation Committee in the House of Representatives, has the tools and modern technology necessary for success. Al-Hosary confirmed Parliament’s support for the Ministry’s efforts to achieve food security.

During the meeting, Abdelsalam El-Gabaly, Chairperson of the Agriculture and Irrigation Committee in the Senate, discussed challenges such as contract farming, land regulation, and desert reclamation. He emphasized the importance of agricultural processing in adding value to the national economy.

Farouk listened attentively to the challenges faced by agricultural exporters and investors, directing the Ministry’s leadership to implement the solutions proposed during the meeting.

He stressed the importance of continuous communication with stakeholders to promptly address any obstacles.