Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, inaugurated the 9th edition of Food Africa, Fresh Africa, and Pack Process exhibitions, held from December 3 to 5 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre, according to the Egypt State Information Service.
The event brings together 1,018 companies from 39 countries, showcasing innovations in food industries, agricultural products, packaging, and food processing machinery.
During the opening, El-Khatib revealed that Egypt’s food industry exports reached approximately $4.6 billion by the end of September 2024, marking an 18% increase from $3.9 billion during the same period in 2023. This represents the highest export value and growth rate in the country’s food industry history.
El-Khatib emphasized the need to expand agricultural exports to African markets, which currently account for just 2% of Egypt’s total agricultural exports. He noted that citrus fruits, particularly oranges, continue to dominate Egypt’s agricultural exports, positioning the country as the world’s leading orange exporter.
He also highlighted key initiatives driving export growth, including the European Union’s reduction of additional pesticide checks on Egyptian citrus and the introduction of a roll-on roll-off (RORO) shipping line between Damietta and Trieste, enhancing the export of perishable goods to European markets.
