CAIRO — The Saudi-Egyptian Joint Committee's follow-up team convened its first meeting on October 9-10 in Cairo to address the recommendations from the committee's 18th session. Chaired by Abdulaziz Al-Sakran, Deputy Governor for International Relations at the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, and Dr. Amani Al-Wasal, head of the Agreements and Foreign Trade Sector at the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the meeting focused on several key areas. The discussions centered on monitoring the implementation of strategic directions from both countries, reviewing progress on joint committee recommendations and initiatives, identifying challenges and proposing solutions, and exploring new opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic relations. Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt experienced a notable increase in the first half of 2024, reaching approximately $8 billion, a 41% rise compared to the same period last year. Key Saudi exports to Egypt included metal products, plastics, and their derivatives, while prominent Egyptian imports comprised metal products, copper, and their derivatives. The meeting saw participation from Saudi representatives across various ministries, including commerce, energy, culture, investment, education, health, human resources and social development, communications and information technology, sport, finance, industry and mineral resources, tourism, environment, water and agriculture, transport and logistic services, municipalities and housing, Islamic affairs, dawah and guidance, and media. Representatives from the Saudi Central Bank, the General Authority of Foreign Trade, the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and the Federation of Saudi Chambers also attended.
