Egypt and Ireland discussed opportunities to deepen industrial cooperation and attract new investments during talks between Industry Minister Khaled Hashem and Irish Ambassador to Egypt Aidan O'Hara, the Ministry of Industry said on Thursday.
The meeting focused on sectors offering strong potential for bilateral cooperation, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, software, and telecommunications, where Irish companies possess extensive expertise. The discussions also reviewed preparations for a planned visit by a trade mission from Ireland’s Export Development Authority to Egypt later this month to explore trade and investment opportunities.
Hashem highlighted a number of priority sectors targeted by Egypt’s updated industrial development strategy, including pharmaceuticals—particularly active pharmaceutical ingredients—food industries, textiles, and electronics.
He said Irish companies could play an important role in transferring technology, localizing production, and building industrial capabilities in Egypt through their accumulated expertise in these sectors.
The minister also proposed that the upcoming Irish trade mission examine the establishment of a joint Egyptian-Irish Business Council aimed at boosting trade, attracting investments, facilitating knowledge exchange, and strengthening ties between the business communities of both countries.
Hashem reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting Irish companies operating in Egypt and addressing any challenges they may face.
He noted that relations between Egypt and Ireland are built on a long history of cooperation across various fields, stressing Egypt’s interest in benefiting from Irish expertise to deepen local manufacturing and enhance technology and knowledge transfer to Egyptian industry.
In turn, O'Hara said Ireland is keen to strengthen cooperation with Egypt, describing it as one of Ireland’s key partners in the region.
The ambassador noted that Irish companies operating in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and artificial intelligence are interested in expanding their presence and making new investments in Egypt, citing the country’s infrastructure, investment-friendly legislation, and promising business opportunities.
The talks come as Egypt seeks to accelerate industrial growth, increase local production, and attract foreign investment as part of broader efforts to enhance the competitiveness of its manufacturing sector.
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