Egypt is exploring the production of fabrics in the Philippines using Egyptian cotton as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations.
Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque recently met with Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Nader Zaki to discuss preparations for the upcoming visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty and explore opportunities to deepen Philippines-Egypt economic ties.
The discussions focused on a proposed business roundtable, bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and potential partnerships in agriculture and the Suez Canal Economic Zone, reflecting both countries’ commitment to expanding economic engagement.
“They’re interested to produce the Egyptian cotton fabrics here,” Secretary Roque said, noting that the Egyptian official wanted to introduce companies interested in exploring and expanding cotton fabric production in the Philippines.
According to Roque, a Philippine business delegation was supposed to visit Egypt last year. The DTI is now looking to revisit the plan and facilitate subsequent exchanges of business delegations between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between the Philippines and Egypt remains modest, with Egypt not ranking among the Philippines’ top 14 trading partners.
Roque said growing foreign interest in the Philippines is also being driven by stronger ASEAN integration, particularly after the conclusion of negotiations for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a region-wide digital economy pact expected to be signed by ASEAN leaders this year.
