The seminar introduced Egyptian business leaders to investment opportunities in three of Malaysia’s 14 states, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, as a starting point for expanding cooperation with other Malaysian states.
Participants from both sides called for revitalizing bilateral economic ties, noting that despite long-standing diplomatic relations, trade and investment links remain below their potential.
The event was attended by Rafedah Abdul Aziz, deputy chief of mission and chargé d’affaires of the Malaysian embassy in Cairo; Sherif El-Gabaly, chairman of the Egypt–Malaysia Business Council; Mohd Khairy Maidin, Malaysia’s trade commissioner in Egypt (MATRADE); members of the state executive councils of Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu; CEO SG4 Group Sdn Bhd; and representatives from the Egyptian government and private sector.
In her remarks, Abdul Aziz said the event aligns with Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, which aims to promote the country globally as a competitive destination for trade, investment, tourism, and education.
She noted that bilateral trade between Egypt and Malaysia reached $720 million in 2025, with Malaysian exports accounting for $600 million and Egyptian exports totalling $120 million.
Egypt, she added, has remained among Malaysia’s top 10 trading partners in Africa over the past five years.
Abdul Aziz said the figures point to a solid foundation for deeper cooperation, stressing that both countries aim to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership.
Malaysia, she stated, views itself as a long-term partner ready to support Egypt’s industrialization agenda under Egypt Vision 2030 through high-value-added products and services.
Abdul Aziz stressed that the Discover Malaysia 2026 programme reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to strengthening business ties with Egypt and serves as a platform to provide first-hand insights into the Malaysian economy, its strengths, and investment potential.
For this inaugural edition, representatives from Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu presented their respective economic landscapes, incentives, priority sectors, and investment opportunities.
Abdul Aziz also highlighted Malaysia’s strong trade performance in 2025, with total trade exceeding RM 3 trillion, up 6.3 percent year-on-year, resulting in a trade surplus of RM 151.8 billion for the 28th consecutive year.
For his part, Sherif El-Gabaly said bilateral trade contracted by around 25 percent in 2025, stagnating between $600 million and $700 million annually, a level he said does not reflect the true potential of both markets.
He called for a shift toward high-value industrial partnerships, pointing to opportunities in the halal industry by leveraging Malaysia’s globally recognized certification standards to serve markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
El-Gabaly added that Malaysia could play a stronger role in Egypt’s industrial zones through joint ventures in food processing, chemicals, and machinery, noting that cooperation in the digital and IT sectors remains limited despite Egypt’s growing capabilities.
MATRADE Trade Commissioner Mohd Khairy Maidin described Egypt–Malaysia trade ties as an extension of historic maritime links spanning centuries, adding that today’s partnership represents a revival of these historic routes.
He invited Egyptian companies to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, scheduled for 23–26 September, which will include a buyer-matching programme linking Egyptian manufacturers with global markets.
Meanwhile, Haim Hilman bin Abdullah of the Kedah State Executive Council highlighted the historical and educational ties between the two countries, noting that millions of Malaysians have studied in Egypt since the 1950s.
He invited Egyptian investors to explore opportunities in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, pointing to projects such as the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, which has attracted major investments in recent years, as well as opportunities in critical minerals, logistics, and high-tech manufacturing.
Short link: