The European Union's Council of Ministers confirmed the signing of an agreement that liberalise trade between Egypt and the EU for agricultural, processed agricultural, and fish and fishery products.

Exceptions to the agreement, which includes 23 tariff lines, include nine fresh crops: tomatoes, cucumbers, artichokes, courgettes, table grapes, garlic, strawberries, rice, sugar, processed products with high sugar content, and processed tuna and sardines.

Eropean goods will also have free entry into Egypt with the exception of 25 tariff lines.

Around 40% of Egypt’s trade is with the EU, with an association agreement, spanning over 12 years, signed with the bloc in early 2000s, allowing free trade of goods between Egypt and the EU. Following agriculture, services are next in line for further liberalisation between Egypt and the EU.

To read more, read the AmCham - Egypt Watch Bulletin and Al-Ahram Weekly