Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, urged the Philippines to open its markets to Egyptian exports, specifically onions, garlic, potatoes, and grapes. He emphasized the Philippines' potential as a distribution hub for Egyptian agricultural goods to ASEAN countries. His address took place during the Philippines' National Day celebration, attended by Azedin Tago, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Egypt, along with various diplomats and officials.
Farouk spotlighted the depth of Egyptian-Philippine relations, noting their diplomatic, economic, cultural, and educational scope, along with trade and investment cooperation. He recalled the historical connection initiated with the Philippine Embassy in Cairo on 3 March 1946, highlighting the relationship's enduring nature.
The Treaty of Friendship, signed on 18 January 1955, remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. Farouk also acknowledged Egypt's 2017 accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, underscoring both nations' commitments to regional stability and economic integration. Various memoranda and protocols have since been established, particularly in agriculture, like Egypt's recent approval for durian imports as an example of growing engagement.
Despite well-established relations, Farouk recognized that bilateral trade has not met anticipated levels. In 2023, Egyptian exports to the Philippines amounted to approximately $12 million, with agricultural products only constituting $2 million of that figure. Philippine imports reached $12.5 million, with agriculture representing 14%.
Farouk highlighted Egypt's strategic role as an entry point for Southeast Asian products into Africa via the African Continental Free Trade Area and COMESA. Conversely, he encouraged the Philippines to act as a gateway for Egyptian exports into ASEAN.
The Minister advocated for more private sector involvement and investment, particularly in agriculture, to bolster food security and shared interests. He concluded by stressing the importance of cooperative efforts in sectors such as tourism, investment, telecommunications, education, and agriculture, leveraging both nations' comparative advantages.
Source: Daily News Egypt
