Egypt, Eritrea Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Agricultural Sector

Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk, held a meeting with Economic Advisor to the Eritrean President Mr. Hagos Gebrhiwet, and Eritrean Minister of Trade and Industry at the Ministry headquarters.

The meeting focused on exploring avenues for joint cooperation and ways to strengthen the partnership between the two brotherly countries in the agricultural sector and related activities, according to a statement recently issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. 

The meeting centered on enhancing cooperation in the field of agricultural processing and the transformation of raw materials into high-value goods. This would contribute to job creation and increased national income for both countries.

Also, the meeting tackled removing all obstacles to the exchange of agricultural crops and products, ensuring access for Egyptian products to Eritrean markets and vice versa, and meeting the needs of consumers in both countries.

Farouk emphasized the Agricultural Research Center's readiness to provide technical support in developing new varieties of strategic crops suited to Eritrea's climatic conditions, and to exchange expertise in pest control, soil management, and other areas.

Alaa Farouk noted the possibility of hosting Eritrean personnel for training at the International Center for Agriculture in Cairo, transferring the latest technologies used in modern irrigation and land reclamation, and sending a technical delegation from the Agricultural Research Center to Eritrea to assess the state of its agricultural sector and offer necessary solutions.

Alaa Farouk also indicated that cooperation could include improving livestock breeds and veterinary serums and vaccines, stressing the importance of stimulating agricultural investment by inviting businesspeople and investors from both countries to explore promising opportunities in this sector.

In turn, the Eritrean delegation expressed their deep appreciation for the progress witnessed in Egypt's agricultural sector, affirming their country's eagerness to benefit from Egypt's pioneering experience in land reclamation and the development of agricultural supply chains.

The two sides agreed to establish direct and ongoing communication channels between the two parties to ensure close monitoring of the agreed-upon points and to address any emerging challenges, thus guaranteeing the continuity of joint cooperation and the transformation of these understandings into tangible projects on the ground.