Egypt and Ireland are exploring expanded industrial cooperation in pharmaceuticals, electronics and digital technologies as both countries seek to strengthen trade and investment ties, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Industry.
Egyptian Industry Minister Khaled Hashem held talks with Irish Ambassador to Egypt Aidan O’Hara to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration, particularly in high-value manufacturing sectors where Ireland has strong technological expertise.
The discussions were attended by senior Egyptian officials, including Ahmed Maghawry, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, and focused on priority industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, software and communications.
Officials said the talks form part of broader efforts to enhance industrial development, attract foreign investment and promote technology transfer into Egypt’s manufacturing base.
Egypt identified pharmaceuticals — especially active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) — alongside food processing, textiles and electronics as strategic sectors under its updated industrial development strategy.
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Hashem said deeper cooperation with Ireland could help accelerate local manufacturing capacity, strengthen industrial competitiveness and support knowledge sharing between firms in both countries.
“These sectors align closely with areas where Irish companies have accumulated extensive expertise and advanced technological know-how,” he said, adding that partnerships could help expand local production and improve industrial capabilities.
A key outcome of the meeting was a proposal to establish a joint Egyptian-Irish Business Council, designed to facilitate trade, attract investment and strengthen business-to-business engagement.
The initiative is expected to be further discussed during a planned visit by a delegation from Ireland’s Export Development Authority later in June, which will assess investment opportunities in Egypt’s industrial sector.
Ambassador O’Hara described Egypt as a key regional partner for Ireland and said Irish firms are increasingly interested in expanding their footprint in North Africa, particularly in pharmaceuticals, life sciences and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
He cited Egypt’s improving infrastructure, regulatory reforms and large consumer market as key factors driving investor interest.
Irish companies already active in pharmaceuticals and related industries are expected to play a central role in future cooperation efforts, particularly in areas involving advanced manufacturing and technology transfer.
The talks reflect a broader trend of Egypt positioning itself as a regional industrial hub, while Ireland continues to expand its global trade partnerships beyond Europe.
Officials on both sides said the growing engagement signals a shared interest in building long-term economic cooperation based on innovation, investment and skills development.
