Egypt eyes regional grain logistics hub with Russia’s top exporters
The proposal was discussed across two separate meetings at the forum, taking place from 20 to 23 May 2026. Farouk first met Alexey Gribanov, Chairman of Demetra Holding, one of Russia's largest grain trading and logistics companies and a major player in Russian wheat exports to Egypt, then held a separate session with Dmitry Sergeev, CEO of OZK (United Grain Company) and Chairman of the Russian Union of Grain Exporters and Producers.
Both meetings examined ways to develop the proposed centre into a fully integrated regional facility, one whose role would extend beyond storage and re-export to encompass value-added processing of imported grain, including the manufacture of flour, pasta, edible oils, and animal feed.
"Russia is one of Egypt's most important wheat suppliers, and these discussions align with the directives of the political leadership in both countries to enhance economic cooperation and develop storage and transportation infrastructure," Farouk added.
Central to both sets of talks were mechanisms for concluding long-term supply contracts for Russian wheat shipments to Egypt, a move aimed at stabilizing Cairo's strategic supply chains and building a sustainable reserve of essential commodities.
OZK, ranked among Russia's top five grain exporters, and Demetra Holding both play pivotal roles in organizing Russian grain flows to global markets, making them natural partners for Egypt's food security agenda.
The two meetings also examined joint investment opportunities in silo construction and strategic grain collection and storage facilities inside Egypt, alongside cooperation on technical expertise in grain cultivation, handling, and digitized logistics management, an area where Russia has built considerable capabilities in recent years.
Egypt, one of the world's largest wheat importers, relies heavily on overseas supplies to support its subsidized bread program and broader food security needs.
Russia has remained its leading wheat supplier in recent years, accounting for a significant share of purchases made through both state tenders and private contracts.
Since global supply chains were upended by the Russia-Ukraine war, Cairo has been working to strengthen its strategic grain reserves, diversifying wheat sources, expanding local procurement, and building out storage capacity.
The government has invested in modern silos and logistics infrastructure over the past decade to reduce post-harvest losses and improve supply chain efficiency.