While numerous company representatives from both countries attended the forum, the event served as an important platform for strengthening bilateral economic relations.
During the panel session, President of the Turkish Contractors Association (TCA) Mehmet Erdal Eren, DEİK Digital Technologies Business Council President Erdem Erkul, Vice Chairman and CEO of KADMAR Shipping Group Medhat ElKady, and Chairman of the Board of Latif Group Nasser Abdelatif shared their views on investment opportunities between the two countries.
“Trust and Dynamism in Bilateral Relations Are Increasing”
Speaking at the forum, Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu stated that the strong participation of Turkish and Egyptian companies was a clear indication of the growing trust and dynamism in bilateral relations. Tuzcu said, “What brings us together is not only trade figures, but also a shared understanding of how our economies complement each other in a changing global environment.”
Drawing attention to uncertainties in the global economy, Tuzcu emphasized that stronger ties between Türkiye and Egypt during this period would pave the way for new economic opportunities. He noted that the trade structure between the two countries is diversified and based on mutual benefit, adding that Egypt is one of Türkiye’s most important trading partners in Africa.
Trade Target: USD 15 Billion
Tuzcu stated that bilateral trade volume had nearly doubled over the past 10 years, reaching close to USD 8 billion as of 2025, and that the common target is USD 15 billion. He underlined that this goal is achievable thanks to the complementary nature of the two economies.
Noting that Türkiye’s investments in Egypt have approached USD 4 billion, Tuzcu said these investments provide employment for approximately 100,000 people and make a direct contribution to Egypt’s industrial capacity. He emphasized that Türkiye offers significant opportunities for Egyptian companies with its strong industrial infrastructure and logistics capabilities, while Egypt holds strategic advantages in accessing African and Arab markets.
Tuzcu also added that cooperation potential is increasing in renewable energy, mining, sustainable infrastructure, digitalization, and industry in the coming period.
Emphasis on Cooperation in Tourism, Logistics, and Industry
DEİK President Nail Olpak stated that they have been working together for many years to develop trade and investment relations between Türkiye and Egypt. He recalled that the DEİK Türkiye–Egypt Business Council has been operating in cooperation with the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association since 1992.
Olpak said that in order to reach the USD 15 billion trade target, the role of the Suez Canal in global trade and Türkiye’s Middle Corridor and port infrastructure should be evaluated together. He also emphasized tourism as an important area of cooperation, noting that joint projects particularly in health and education tourism could be expanded.
Highlighting the potential for joint production models in the textile and ready-to-wear sectors to access third markets, Olpak noted that energy and defense industries are also among the priority areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Call to the Egyptian Business Community to Invest in Türkiye
Olpak underlined the importance of joint efforts in digital transformation areas such as e-commerce, fintech, and artificial intelligence, stressing that financial cooperation in these fields should also be strengthened. Pointing out that Türkiye is a key production and technology hub between Europe and Asia, Olpak invited the Egyptian business community to invest in Türkiye.
The forum is scheduled to conclude with speeches by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, and Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib. The event is expected to contribute further to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
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