Egypt seeks closer industrial cooperation with Ireland in pharmaceuticals, technology sectors
The plans were discussed during a meeting between Industry Minister Khaled Hashem and Ireland's Ambassador to Egypt Aidan O'Hara ahead of a visit by a delegation from Enterprise Ireland, the Irish state agency that supports businesses expanding into international markets.
According to the ministry, Egypt aims to benefit from Irish expertise in advanced industries and technology-intensive sectors to support local manufacturing and technology transfer. No specific projects or timeline were announced.
Enterprise Ireland is expected to send a delegation to Egypt in the last week of June to explore investment and trade opportunities and discuss the possible establishment of a joint Egyptian-Irish Business Council.
O'Hara said several Irish companies operating in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and artificial intelligence are interested in opportunities in Egypt and view the country as a potential regional investment hub, citing its infrastructure and investment framework.
The discussions come as Egypt seeks to deepen economic ties with European Union (EU) countries and attract foreign investment into priority industrial sectors.
Egyptian exports to Ireland reached $188.8 million in 2025, according to data compiled by Trading Economics based on United Nations COMTRADE statistics. Fertilizers accounted for the largest share of exports, followed by electrical and electronic equipment and animal feed products.
The government has been promoting industrial production and exports as part of its National Industrial Strategy, while pursuing policies aimed at increasing private-sector investment and expanding manufacturing activity.
Egypt projects economic growth of 5.4 percent in the 2026/27 fiscal year, with manufacturing expected to be the largest contributor to growth, accounting for 29 percent, followed by trade at 11.3 percent. Total investments are projected to reach EGP 3.7 trillion.
The push to attract industrial investment also aligns with Egypt's economic reform programme backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which places a strong emphasis on private-sector-led growth.
IMF staff is currently in Cairo to conduct the seventh review of Egypt’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), which will unlock $1.6 billion in new financing.