Egypt would provide Argentina with its new internationally-approved HCV drug, in exchange for a range of products.
Minister of Trade and Industry Tarek Kabil met with Argentina’s Vice President Gabriela Michetti, on the sidelines of the WTO 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, to explore means of enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations in the near future.
The meeting also discussed signing a barter deal between Egypt and Argentina, whereby Egypt would provide the Argentinian market with its new internationally-approved Hepatitis C (HCV) drug, in exchange for a range of products.
The Leo Messi Foundation (Fundación Leo Messi) has donated 3,000 doses to HCV patients in Argentina and 2,000 in other countries, Kabil said.
The minister also stressed the importance of facilitating trade between the two countries especially after Egypt’s joining the Mercosur, pointing out that the meeting of the joint trade committee will be held in Cairo during the first half of 2018.
“The Egyptian government appreciates Argentina's ratification of the free trade agreement between Egypt and the Mercosur bloc, which will give a strong boost to Egypt's trade relations with member states,” Kabil noted.
Kabil also held a meeting with Argentina’s Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie to discuss expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
Egypt’s exports to Argentina amounted to $8mln in 2016, while imports reached $1.792bln, mainly with an Argentinian surplus, according to official data.