Egyptian exports to India up by 150 per cent

Exports to India rose by 150 per cent in 2002 according to a report of the Egyptian-Indian working group, which was presented to the Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali at a meeting yesterday.

The group in its second meeting, was set up to plan for a preferential trade agreement with India.

This agreement aims to increase exports, which enjoy a competitive advantage such as ceramics, carpets, medicinal plants, perfumes, raw cotton, phosphates, marble, leather, sweets, crystal, charcoal, orange, etc. to India and to encourage Indian investment in Egypt.

The treaty is also part of Egyptian plans to diversity sources of grain imports.

It focuses on removing non-tariff barriers to the benefit of both countries and concentrates on the value of goods exported rather than quantity.

It was agreed that India is to train 15 Egyptian officials in trade matters and Egypt will receive Indian experts for technical training.

Egypt can also participate in any future trade fairs held in India.