700 Indian companies registered in Egypt
Egypt’s regional connectivity adds a further dimension to its appeal, and its network of free trade agreements covering markets across Africa, the Arab region and parts of Europe, together with its Mediterranean connectivity, makes it an attractive location for regional production and distribution hubs, says S C Ralhan, President of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO).
As such, he has called on Indian businesses can explore these opportunities, subject to the applicable rules of origin and other requirements governing preferential market access.
“Indian businesses should increasingly view Egypt as both a promising market and a partner in reaching wider regional markets. Combining Indian manufacturing strengths with Egypt’s location and trade linkages can support export diversification and closer integration into international supply chains,” Ralhan said in a release on 10 Nov, ahead of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visit to Egypt.
An established Indian business presence provides a strong foundation for this next phase of engagement. More than 700 Indian companies are registered in Egypt, with around 70 actively operating across various sectors and combined investments exceeding US$5.5 billion. This presence can help encourage fresh investment, deepen industrial collaboration and create opportunities for Indian MSMEs to enter regional supply chains.
India–Egypt merchandise trade reached US$6.5 billion in FY 2025–26, comprising Indian exports of US$3.9 billion and imports of US$2.6 billion. Petroleum products, engineering goods, chemicals, cotton yarn, buffalo meat and pharmaceuticals form a substantial part of India’s export basket. With India emerging as Egypt’s fifth-largest source of imports, the visit provides an opportunity to diversify this basket, deepen market access and strengthen India’s position as a preferred sourcing partner.
He went on, “Egypt brings together a significant domestic market, a strategic location and extensive regional trade connectivity. The Minister’s visit can help Indian businesses build on these advantages to expand exports, forge manufacturing partnerships and participate more actively in regional value chains.”
The discussions with Egyptian counterparts and senior government representatives during the Minister’s visit are expected to focus on expanding trade, encouraging investment and advancing cooperation in startups, fintech, pharmaceuticals, automobile components and infrastructure.
The proposed India–Egypt Startup Summit would add an important innovation dimension to the engagement, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and technology enterprises to explore commercial partnerships, FIEO said.
“Growing Egyptian interest in Indian expertise creates opportunities that extend from technology and innovation to manufacturing and infrastructure. Indian companies can contribute to Egypt’s development priorities while building commercially sustainable partnerships that generate value for both countries,” Ralhan observed.
He emphasised that sustained institutional engagement, focused business-to-business interactions and effective investment facilitation would be essential to convert the visit’s momentum into concrete outcomes. High-level exchanges, supported by consistent commercial follow-through, would also reinforce investor confidence and encourage long-term partnerships.
“India and Egypt have the foundations for a more ambitious economic partnership built on complementary strengths in trade, investment, technology and enterprise. FIEO looks forward to working closely with the Government of India and Egyptian counterparts to facilitate business engagement, promote buyer-seller interactions and help Indian exporters translate emerging opportunities into lasting commercial relationships,” he added. Goyal, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, will give fresh momentum to bilateral trade and investment while opening wider regional opportunities for Indian businesses, according to FIEO. fiinews.com
