Egypt signs 20 agreements with Asian nations to expand trade cooperation
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said after returning from an Asian tour that 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed with South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The deals focus on increasing trade exchange and balancing commercial ties, according to his remarks. Sisi also linked investor confidence to Egypt's stability and moderate foreign policy.
Sisi’s Asian tour included South Korea from Oct. 7–9, 2026, Malaysia from Oct. 9–10, and Indonesia from Oct. 10–11. He traveled at the invitations of the South Korean, Malaysian, and Indonesian leaders; the Malaysia stop was his first state visit there. The 20 agreements and memoranda covered several cooperation areas, especially raising trade volume and balancing commercial exchange.
After returning to Cairo airport, Sisi discussed the trip with Information Minister Diaa Rashwan, with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly present. He said investors place money only in countries where they feel reassurance and stability, and described Egypt’s moderate, balanced foreign policy as a factor encouraging continuation of that approach.
The agreements may affect Egyptian exporters, importers, workers, and consumers by potentially expanding market access and trade flows with South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. If commercial ties become more balanced, local producers could face both opportunities and competition. Greater investor confidence, if sustained, might support jobs and business activity, though benefits may depend on implementation and how broadly they reach different regions and sectors.