Egypt, Bulgaria Sign Joint Committee Protocol to Strengthen Co-op

Nada Mustafa

The Egyptian–Bulgarian Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation concluded its meetings in the New Administrative Capital, co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, on the Egyptian side, and H.E. Mr. Peter Dilov, Minister of Economy and Industry of Bulgaria, on the Bulgarian side. The two sides signed the Committee Protocol, which includes agreements to strengthen cooperation across 19 development sectors of mutual interest, aimed at enhancing the future of economic relations between the two countries.

During the committee sessions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic dialogue and promoting mutually beneficial relations. They also agreed to work jointly to elevate cooperation to a higher level that reflects the strategic nature of the comprehensive partnership between the European Union and Egypt.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that convening the Egyptian–Bulgarian Committee—coinciding with the upcoming 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026—opens broad prospects for enhanced cooperation, leveraging the significant capabilities possessed by both countries. She noted that the Committee Protocol includes a wide range of strategic sectors that advance shared interests, particularly in industry, investment, and deepening engagement with the business community.

The Protocol reinforces trade and economic cooperation between Egypt and Bulgaria, with trade exchange reaching nearly USD 1 billion in 2024. The two countries agreed to develop and expand their bilateral economic relations and to encourage greater engagement of the business sector through forums, exhibitions, and B2B meetings between government institutions and business organizations. It also emphasizes enhancing cooperation among ministries, chambers of commerce and industry, and other relevant entities to facilitate trade, investment, and partnerships across goods and services sectors.

The Protocol also invites Bulgarian companies and the business community to explore investment opportunities in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which serves as a gateway for Bulgarian exports and investments to African markets. It further encourages opportunities for implementing joint projects and establishing joint ventures in renewable energy, engineering industries, electronics, and chemical industries.

It also supports cooperation in military production, joint investments, and small and medium enterprises, as well as promoting investment in high-value-added sectors such as technology, automotive manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships in the fields of petroleum and mineral resources, as well as electricity and renewable energy, in light of Egypt’s significant capabilities—especially in transitioning to a green economy and promoting private-sector participation. The Protocol also expands cooperation in agricultural research, genetic engineering, organic agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.

Additionally, the Joint Committee strengthens cooperation between the two countries in transport, communications and information technology, cybersecurity, environmental protection and climate action, and tourism.