Egypt and WTO Discuss Strategies to Expand Export Access

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid, met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Doha, Qatar, to discuss strategies for boosting Egyptian exports. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 World Investment Forum and included the CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, Mohamed Awad.

Addressing Global Trade Barriers

Farid and Okonjo-Iweala reviewed current challenges within the international trading system, specifically focusing on the impact of protectionist measures and geopolitical disruptions. Farid stated that these factors restrict access to major markets and negatively affect global trade flows.

The minister argued that international trade policies should account for the specific circumstances of emerging economies. He noted that measures intended to address excess production capacity in some nations often inadvertently harm developing economies with smaller market shares. Farid emphasized the need to support Egyptian manufacturers, farmers, and fishers by recognizing their unique production conditions and energy costs when implementing global trade regulations.

WTO Reform and Dispute Settlement

The discussion also covered the reform of the multilateral trading system. Farid highlighted the necessity of restoring an effective dispute settlement process to protect member states against unilateral trade actions. In response, Okonjo-Iweala outlined available alternatives to the suspended Appellate Body, such as the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement, alongside existing mediation and consultation committees.

Officials also examined the implications of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on developing nations. Farid detailed Egypt’s progress in creating a voluntary carbon market, citing the country’s established regulations for project oversight and emissions reduction verification.