Benjamin Dousa’s visit to Egypt to focus on trade and humanitarian issues

Egypt is playing an active role in bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza and has undertaken initiatives for both increased humanitarian aid and reconstruction. During his trip, Mr Dousa will visit a centre where the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies packages food for distribution to Palestinians who have fled to Egypt. He will also meet with humanitarian actors to discuss the catastrophic situation in Gaza and what more the international community can do.

“We must continue to do everything we can and pressure Israel in order to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the civilian population in Gaza. Right now, lorries full of urgently needed food, water and medicine are waiting at the border. They need to be allowed in to save lives and alleviate the suffering. Egypt is an important partner in our joint efforts,” says Mr Dousa. 

On the trade front, Mr Dousa will be joined by Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib to kick off the second Egypt-Sweden Business Forum. The inaugural forum took place in Sweden in 2023. Additional participants will include representatives of several Swedish exporters and potential Egyptian business partners in areas such as life sciences, transport, energy and telecommunications. Representatives of Sida, Swedfund, Business Sweden and the Swedish Export Credit Agency will also be in attendance.

“Egypt is Sweden’s largest trade partner in Africa and offers good opportunities for trade and investment. These include the country’s major investment plans for the green transition and the expansion  of its healthcare systems. These are areas in which Sweden is a leading actor, with innovative companies that can offer a variety of solutions to the Egyptian market,” says Mr Dousa. 

Over the past five years, Swedish exports to Egypt have doubled. Last year alone, they totalled some SEK 14 billion. Mr Dousa will also meet with other Egyptian ministers in order to further business opportunities for Swedish companies and to learn more about Egypt’s views on the situation in Gaza.