The Philippines is eager to expand bilateral ties with Egypt to open up a promising new market for local exporters and strengthen trade and investment cooperation, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said she recently met with Egyptian Ambassador Nader Zaki to discuss preparations for the upcoming visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to the Philippines.

During the meeting, they also discussed prospects for enhancing economic relations between the Philippines and Egypt, including stronger trade ties, Roque said.

While a potential free trade agreement (FTA) was not explored, the DTI chief said the two countries expressed interest in increasing current trade levels.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that total trade between the Philippines and Egypt reached $36.66 million in 2025, nearly double the $19 million recorded in 2024.

Exports to Egypt stood at $16.85 million last year, while imports from the Arab country were valued at a higher $19.81 million.

Roque said Egypt is particularly keen on increasing its cotton exports to the Philippines, as well as exploring the potential establishment of production facilities for the commodity in the country.

She added that Egypt’s interest also lies in expanding its trade presence across the broader Southeast Asian region.

For the Philippines, Roque said gaining market access to Egypt would be pivotal for local exports, as it could also serve as an entry point for shipments to neighboring countries in Africa and the Middle East.

She said exploratory talks between the two sides would likely be formalized through an official trade mission to Egypt, which remains on the DTI’s agenda after being canceled last year.

In a statement posted on its social media page, the DTI said Roque and Zaki also discussed potential partnerships in agriculture and the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Zaki, for his part, said they also talked about convening a bilateral committee to put these plans into action.