Egypt exports to COMESA countries can increase 2000 percent in few years

A report issued by the Egyptian Businessmen's Association said the total exports of the COMESA countries (an economic alliance of southern and eastern African countries) reached $18 billion (without Egypt) during last year.

The report said the COMESA markets are very limited but are considered a promising outlet for Egyptian exports, especially as there are no exceptions to goods as is the case in Egypt's current free trade zone agreements signed with neighboring countries.

Egypt's exports to the COMESA member states do not exceed $40 million while its imports from these countries reached $165 million during 1997.

The report expected Egypt's trade with COMESA countries to reach $750 million dollar in 2001 if Egyptian exporters focus on these markets and establish warehouses for Egyptian goods to meet these markets' needs.