Symposium calls for increasing trade exchange

The Egyptian Export Promoting Center (EEPC) held a symposium in Cairo yesterday to address exports to Sudan.

Addressing the symposium, EEPC chairman Mohammed Hamdi Salem stressed the importance of encouraging bilateral trade, as both Nile Basin countries are members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). He argued that transport problems were not to blame for the low volume of trade that hits only L.E 100 million.

Salem noted that Sudan began exporting oil about six months ago. This has boosted the country's foreign currency reserves and made it more attractive to trade partners.

The EEPC organised two trade promoting missions to Sudan last month, one for foodstuffs and the other for pharmaceuticals.

"The pharmaceuticals mission was very successful as participating Egyptian companies concluded deals to export their products to Sudan," he said.