Cairo- November 10, 2020

The 11th Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Trade Ministerial Conference kicked off today by videoconference, co-chaired by the EU and Jordanian UfM co-presidencies and with the participation of trade ministers from UfM member states.

The main objective of the conference is to push forward regional trade, in parallel with bilateral trade relations between the EU and other UfM partners. It will also highlight the technical work over the last two years, and explore further cooperation in several areas.

Among other topics, the meeting will deal with trade barriers, trade agreement negotiations, the multilateral trading system, sustainable development, and the fight against Intellectual Property piracy.

“Egypt is keen on strengthening economic relations with all UfM countries, especially in light of the distinguished relations with the European Union, its major commercial partner,” said Tarek Shalaby, assistant minister for foreign trade, agreements and international relations, in a speech delivered on behalf of Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea.

She stressed the importance of exerting more effort to establish a regional trade area characterized by integration of markets and availability of supply chains, in line with the current global trade trends.