To mark three decades of Egyptian-South Korean bilateral relations Cairo hosted Korea Week from 1 to 9 October that saw various Korea-themed events.
One of the major events during the week was the 2025 Conference on Korea-Egypt Economic Partnership and Cooperation, in which both countries emphasised expanding trade, investment, and technological collaboration as key pillars for future growth.
Diplomatic relations between South Korea and Egypt were established on 13 April 1995. Before that date consular relations had existed since 1962.
South Korea’s ambassador to Egypt, Kim Yonghyon, reaffirmed his country’s dedication to strengthening investment and technological partnerships with Egypt. “Although 30 years may seem brief, our countries have accomplished significant progress together,” he said, highlighting that South Korea has become one of Egypt’s most trusted partners and friends, with cooperation spanning diplomacy, defence, trade, and investment.
According to Kim, bilateral trade has now exceeded $1.6 billion.
Beyond trade, South Korean companies have contributed technology, expertise, and infrastructure essential to Egypt’s vision for sustainable growth, he noted, referencing ventures in automotives, plastics, machinery, and green technology.
South Korean firms are increasingly investing in renewable energy and green technologies, he added.
South Korea’s cumulative investment in Egypt stood at $930 million in 2024. Major Korean investors in Egypt include Samsung Electronics in Beni Sweif, with over $400 million invested and about 2,000 employees, and LG Electronics in 10 Ramadan City, investing over $300 million and employing around 1,400 workers.
There are 171 Korean companies registered with Egypt’s General Authority for Investments (GAFI).
Egypt is also South Korea’s only ODA (official development assistance) priority partner in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, with a total ODA volume of $350 million, including $100 million in grants and about $250 million through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
Additionally, there are about 1,500 Egyptian students in Korea and 1,000 Korean nationals residing in Egypt. Academic and cultural cooperation includes programmes between Egyptian and Korean institutions.
One of the panels during the recent conference addressed policies and innovations for sustainable economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ahmed Saad, CEO of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), outlined Egypt’s vision for the SCZone as a pivotal hub for investment, emphasising the strategic importance of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest trade routes, in attracting global investors.
He highlighted South Korea’s inspiring recovery from the 1997 financial crisis and expressed Egypt’s eagerness to deepen partnerships with Korean investors, particularly in industrial development and transportation projects.
Ahmed Amawi, head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), outlined ambitions to further digitise customs operations, adopt artificial intelligence applications to enhance management, and launch specialised training programmes to build the capacity of customs officers.
He stressed the importance of continuous technical collaboration with foreign partners to sustain progress.
Highlighting the strategic nature of the customs partnership between Egypt and South Korea, Amawi described it as rooted in a long history of cooperation focused on modernisation, transparency, and innovation. This partnership aims to serve mutual interests and contribute to the prosperity of both nations, he said.
Amawi reaffirmed the Egyptian Customs Authority’s commitment to working closely with international partners to strengthen cooperation and set a model for effective engagement worldwide.
Khaled Nosseir, chairman of the Egypt-Korea Business Council, emphasised that the relationship between Egypt and South Korea is built on mutual benefits.
“There is tremendous potential for cooperation,” he said, “with Egypt offering valuable opportunities for Korean investors and businesses, while Korea brings considerable expertise and investment potential to Egypt’s growing industries.”
He pointed to the significant advances Egypt has made in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, customs, and tax regimes, creating a conducive environment for investment, stressing the importance of leveraging these developments to further strengthen the partnership over the next 30 years.
“Now is the time for Egypt to catch up,” he said, adding that South Korea had embarked on major reforms in the 1960s and experienced rapid progress.
During the conference, Kim Won-kyum, president of Samsung Electronics Egypt, shared insights into the company’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in Africa, highlighting Egypt as a prime location due to its strong growth potential.
He said that after a thorough consideration of various factors and affiliate countries, Samsung had selected Egypt for its promising market and strategic advantages. In August 2012, Samsung established a factory within the Borg Al-Arab Industrial Complex, with construction completed by June 2013.
In July 2013, Samsung shipped its first TV production from the facility, marking a significant milestone.
Samsung began constructing a new building in 2021 dedicated to tablet and mobile production. By April 2022, the new facility was operational, and by November of the same year Samsung had launched mobile production. This year, Samsung expanded its mobile product range and increased TV exports to Africa.
Kim emphasised Samsung’s success in becoming the number one exporter in the region, a feat achieved through strong corporate support, regional governmental cooperation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Looking forward, Kim expressed Samsung’s ambition to continue increasing exports and become the top exporting company in Egypt over the next 30 years. He affirmed the company’s dedication to advancing Egypt’s economy and strengthening the partnership between Egypt and Korea.
On the sidelines of the event, Egypt’s minister of planning, economic development, and international cooperation Rania Al-Mashat met Korean Presidential Envoy on Korea’s National Day and the 30th anniversary of Egypt-Korea diplomatic relations Park Beom-Jae to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Highlighting the importance of recent high-level visits between the leadership of both countries, Al-Mashat noted how these have propelled the strategic partnership forward. She pointed to Korea’s designation of Egypt as a strategic partner in development cooperation, which has led to diversified joint projects focusing on priority sectors.
The minister asserted that the relationship between Egypt and Korea serves as a critical platform for advancing regional integration and South-South cooperation. She underscored Egypt’s strategic role as a gateway for Korea to access African markets, leveraging its geographic location and connectivity across the continent.
Looking ahead, Al-Mashat pointed to the launch of the first-ever bilateral cooperation strategy between Egypt and Korea, which aims to explore new areas including healthcare systems, green development, technology innovation, industrial localisation, and supply chain resilience to address climate-change challenges.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 9 October, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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