Story by Theophilus Chuma
EGYPT is seeking to deepen bilateral relations with Zimbabwe, with a strong focus on trade, health cooperation and private sector investment opportunities.
The developments emerged following a courtesy call by Egypt’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Maha Moustafa Kamel, on Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga in Harare on Thursday.
The two countries are exploring new areas of cooperation as trade between Zimbabwe and Egypt has doubled over recent years to approximately US$80 million.
Zimbabwe and Egypt are both members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), a regional bloc aimed at promoting trade and investment across the region.
Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador Dr Kamel said discussions centred on strengthening long-standing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across several sectors.
“This was a very important and very informative meeting. We had a chance to discuss the bilateral relations between Egypt and Zimbabwe, the historical ties that have always existed between the two countries and the two nations,” she said.
“We discussed areas of potential cooperation that are currently underway in order to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, whether in the economic sector, the health sector or the political sphere.”
The ambassador said the two countries are also pursuing projects aimed at encouraging greater private sector collaboration.
“We also discussed several important bilateral projects currently underway to encourage the private sectors in both countries to further cooperate,” Dr Kamel added.
Health sector cooperation featured prominently during the meeting, with Egypt inviting Zimbabwean pharmaceutical companies to participate in the Africa Health Expo Conference to be held in Cairo in July.
“Egypt will be hosting the Africa Health Expo Conference in July, and we have invited several pharmaceutical companies from Zimbabwe to participate,” she said.
“This will be an important opportunity to enhance cooperation between the two countries, not only in the pharmaceutical sector, but also in the production of medical devices, hospital furniture and vaccines, both human and veterinary.”
Egypt also identified Zimbabwe as a potential investment destination in sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy and construction as the two nations seek to broaden economic cooperation.
