Turkish Ambassador Discusses Boosting Trade and Industry with Egypt

In a recent interview with TRT Arabi, the Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, discussed the strengthening economic relations between Egypt and Turkey, and the humanitarian aid provided to Gaza.

Ambassador Şen elaborated on the cooperation between Turkey and Egypt, highlighting that the recent visit of President El-Sisi to Turkey, under the sponsorship of Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, resulted in the signing of approximately 17 agreements across various sectors, primarily economic and technical. Among these, particular emphasis was placed on a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in the industries of manufacturing and transportation.

"We are currently in the process of implementing these agreements," stated Şen. He noted that the relationships between the two countries have become exemplary, mentioning a specific agreement between a Turkish company and the Egyptian Ministry of Industry for the establishment of two separate industrial zones in the 6th of October City and the New Administrative Capital.

"These two industrial zones will span a total area of 5 million square meters, with plans to establish 1000 factories over the next 5 to 10 years, employing at least 50,000 people," he added.

Ambassador Şen expressed optimism about the intensive collaboration between the two nations, especially in economic, commercial, and technical fields. He outlined a goal to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion within the next five years, emphasizing that the trade volume is on track to reach a record $9.5 billion this year, excluding liquefied natural gas.

The ready-made garments sector plays a significant role in this cooperation, as Turkey is a leading country in the textile industry in the Middle East, Europe, and globally. "Egypt has a very good economic integration with the world and free trade agreements with Europe, America, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, which makes it highly attractive for Turkish investors and businesses," explained Şen.

On the topic of ongoing aggression towards Gaza, the ambassador highlighted the coordination between Turkey and Egypt to attempt to halt the aggression, describing the humanitarian aid as a critical priority for Turkey. He criticized the blockade imposed by Israel, noting that despite Egypt being a major conduit for aid to Gaza, recent operations at the Rafah border crossing had hindered aid delivery.

"Our ships arrive at the port of Al-Arish twice a month, and we have been able to evacuate about 400 Palestinian patients and their companions from Gaza," Şen detailed. However, he lamented that the humanitarian efforts have been significantly impacted by Israeli operations, which have stalled aid shipments.

In closing, Ambassador Şen reaffirmed the desire to resume humanitarian aid through the reopening of the Rafah crossing and emphasized the win-win nature of the Turkish-Egyptian partnership in various sectors, including textile manufacturing.