Egypt and Thailand have signed three cooperation agreements, reviving their joint ministerial committee after 20 years as Cairo seeks to expand exports, attract Asian manufacturers and reduce a substantial bilateral trade deficit.
The agreements, signed in Bangkok on 15 October, establish a 2027–2029 action plan, cultural cooperation and a framework for joint development projects in third countries. The meeting was co-chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Bilateral merchandise trade reached $975 million in 2025, according to Thai figures, with Thailand exporting approximately $815 million to Egypt against imports of $160 million, leaving Egypt with a $655 million deficit.
Trade rose 10.8% year-on-year to $589 million in the first seven months of 2026, although Egyptian exports remained heavily concentrated in iron and steel, highlighting the need to diversify into higher-value products.
Industrial cooperation is emerging as a priority. Discussions have covered rubber, petrochemicals, tyre manufacturing and food processing, while Egypt is promoting the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a manufacturing and logistics base for Thai companies serving African, Arab and European markets.
Thai manufacturer Hi-Tech Apparel has already announced a $20 million garment factory in the zone, targeting six million garments annually and approximately 2,000 jobs at full capacity.
The two governments also discussed strengthening their business council and expanding Thailand’s commercial engagement with Africa. At subsequent talks with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 16 October, both sides agreed on the need to double bilateral trade, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.
The agreements establish a framework rather than binding new investment commitments. Their economic value will depend on broader Egyptian exports, operational Thai manufacturing projects and sustained private-sector investment.
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