"Al-Mashat": Great prospects for developing the economic, commercial, and investment partnership between the two countries.
Advancing investment partnerships through the exchange of expertise in investor services.
Constructive discussions to increase trade exchange and develop partnerships with the private sector.
Signing of 3 cooperation agreements in the fields of economic, commercial, customs, and investment cooperation.
Egypt and Tajikistan agree on 17 development sectors that will shape the future of bilateral relations.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Mr. Zavqizoda Zavqi Amin, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan, chaired the 3rd session of the Egyptian-Tajik Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, following the 1st session in 2009 and the 2nd in 2019 in Cairo.
At the outset of the committee's activities, the two ministers held a bilateral meeting to discuss ways to develop the longstanding Egyptian-Tajik relations, particularly in light of the economic developments at both the regional and international levels, which require a concerted effort to support development areas between the two countries. They emphasized the importance of regular meetings of the joint committee to enhance relations and accelerate the pace of development efforts.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat pointed out that Egyptian-Tajik relations have witnessed significant development under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, reflecting Egypt's keenness to strengthen its ties with friendly and brotherly countries. This was clearly demonstrated during the visit of the President of Tajikistan to Egypt in 2022 and the constructive discussions held with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat expressed gratitude to the Tajik side for the joint coordination to convene the 3rd session of the joint committee, which serves as an effective mechanism for coordinating cooperation between the two countries, achieving shared interests, and discussing future cooperation areas. H.E. also highlighted the importance of strengthening relations between private sector companies to increase joint investments.
Joint Cooperation Documents
During the committee's activities, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation signed 3 cooperation agreements with the Tajik side, which had been agreed upon during expert-level meetings.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan to enhance trade exchange, economic partnership, and the exchange of expertise in macroeconomic forecasting, improving modeling mechanisms, and developing and using new models for social and economic development in both countries.
The MoU also focuses on the exchange of information and best practices on national initiatives and programs in the digital economy, exchange expertise on regional economic integration, and enhance cooperation in investment, entrepreneurship support, and other related areas.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat signed a joint work plan between Egypt's General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and Tajikistan's State Agency "Taj Invest" for the period 2024/2025.
This plan aims to establish a joint working group to implement a previously signed memorandum of understanding, exchange expertise and best practices in investor services, and collaborate on investment promotion strategies and improving the business environment.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also signed a cooperation agreement between Egypt and Tajikistan regarding mutual assistance in customs matters, aimed at facilitating the movement of goods in line with international standards and best practices, exchanging information, and assisting in monitoring and other related areas.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat and the Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade signed the protocol for the 3rd session of the Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, which includes 17 development sectors of mutual interest. These sectors include trade, industry, investment, cooperation between chambers of commerce, cooperation between customs authorities, oil and gas, housing, environment, agriculture, irrigation and water resources, health, pharmaceuticals, higher education and scientific research, culture, tourism, and youth and sports.
During the ministerial meeting, the two sides discussed investment opportunities for Tajik companies in Egypt and potential partnerships with the Egyptian private sector, particularly in the fields of food industries, pharmaceuticals, tourism, construction, furniture manufacturing, textiles, and more.
They also explored ways to enhance trade exchange and attract investments between the two countries, as well as cooperation in free trade zones, industrial expertise sharing, renewable energy, and aluminum industries.
The meeting also focused on expanding cultural cooperation between the two countries and participating in international cultural events held in each country. This reflects the importance of cultural ties, which play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations.
This is particularly significant given the esteemed position of the Al-Azhar Mosque in Tajikistan, and both sides are keen to encourage student exchanges and support the establishment of centers for Arabic language studies in Tajikistan’s universities.
At the conclusion of the committee’s activities, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the constructive discussions aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries at the private sector level. H.E. further highlighted the significant potential to increase trade and investment exchanges to meet shared aspirations and strengthen the growing partnership in industry, construction, pharmaceuticals, food, furniture, tourism, and other sectors.