Egypt, Malaysia seek stronger trade, investment links at Cairo forum

The seminar introduced Egyptian business leaders to investment opportunities in three of Malaysia’s 14 states, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, as a starting point for expanding cooperation with other Malaysian states.

Participants from both sides called for revitalizing bilateral economic ties, noting that despite long-standing diplomatic relations, trade and investment links remain below their potential.

The event was attended by Rafedah Abdul Aziz, deputy chief of mission and chargé d’affaires of the Malaysian embassy in Cairo; Sherif El-Gabaly, chairman of the Egypt–Malaysia Business Council; Mohd Khairy Maidin, Malaysia’s trade commissioner in Egypt (MATRADE); members of the state executive councils of Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu; CEO SG4 Group Sdn Bhd; and representatives from the Egyptian government and private sector.

In her remarks, Abdul Aziz said the event aligns with Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, which aims to promote the country globally as a competitive destination for trade, investment, tourism, and education.

She noted that bilateral trade between Egypt and Malaysia reached $720 million in 2025, with Malaysian exports accounting for $600 million and Egyptian exports totalling $120 million.

Egypt, she added, has remained among Malaysia’s top 10 trading partners in Africa over the past five years.