Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, said that technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can help boost merchandise and services exports, revealing that Egypt’s non-oil merchandise exports reached $48bn in 2025.
Farid attended the opening of the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) trading session to mark World Investor Week, organised by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The event was also attended by Omar Radwan, EGX Chairperson; Mohamed Sabry, EGX Vice Chairperson; and Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Assistant Chairperson of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA).
Farid stressed that promoting financial, investment and export awareness, alongside empowering young people to participate in economic activity, is a key pillar of supporting development. Achieving these objectives requires coordinated awareness-raising efforts, the development of regulatory frameworks and the adoption of technology, he said.
He also praised the EGX’s efforts to promote financial literacy, noting that regulatory amendments introduced in line with FRA rules have created broader opportunities for individuals under the age of 21 to participate in the capital market. He emphasised the need to protect new investors from harmful practices and strengthen cooperation among the EGX, FRA and universities to develop human capital.
On exports, Farid underscored the importance of familiarising young people with the trade agreements to which Egypt is a party and the preferential advantages they offer in facilitating Egyptian products’ access to foreign markets. He also highlighted the importance of understanding rules of origin and regulatory export requirements.
He explained that raising awareness of trade agreements with the European Union, Arab countries, Latin American and Caribbean countries, and Türkiye would help Egyptian companies expand internationally and broaden the exporter base. He also called for cooperation with universities to familiarise students with employment opportunities at exporting companies.
Farid further highlighted the importance of developing technological solutions to help companies identify target markets and export opportunities, understand rules of origin and meet the required standards. He also highlighted the role of TradeTech initiatives, including the TradeTech Sandbox, in encouraging young people to develop innovative solutions that facilitate access to international markets.