Egypt’s food exports increase 19% in 2021: Trade minister

Egypt’s food industry exports totalled $3.1 billion in the first nine months of 2021, up from the $2.8 billion in the same period last year, recording a 19 percent year-on-year increase and ranking third among other Egyptian sectors exporting to foreign markets, Trade and Industry Minister Nevine Gamea stated on Sunday.

Gamea’s remarks came during her inauguration of the sixth edition of the Food Africa Exhibition on Sunday, which is being held in Egypt’s International Exhibitions Centre for two days from 12 to 14 December with the participation of 400 local and international companies.

During her speech, which came on behalf of Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Gamea said that Egypt’s exports of agricultural crops in the first nine months of 2021 hit $1.9 billion, compared to the $1.8 billion achieved in the same period last year, recording an 8 percent increase.

Gamea noted that the most important agricultural crops exported include rice, grains, onions, garlic, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, citrus fruits, and peanuts, for which Russia, Saudi Arabia, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates are the most important markets for such Egyptian exports.

The exhibition — held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Supply, and Internal Trade — will include more than 22 national pavilions, with Russia — this year’s guest of honour — participating with 30 of its companies.

The exhibition will also witness the presence of a delegation of more than 500 international buyers.

The sixth edition of the Food Africa Exhibition reflects the current approach of the Egyptian state to develop and enhance its economic and trade relations with all countries of the African continent, Gamea noted.

The minister stressed that the exhibition is now one of the largest international trade fairs specialised in the food and agricultural industries on the continental level.