Minister of Trade, Ahmed Samir, affirmed Egypt's strong commitment to achieving comprehensive development has been highlighted following recent cuts in customs tariffs to facilitate intra-African trade.

This came at the opening ceremony of the Third Annual African Trade Summit, IATF2023.

Egypt is hosting the summit for the third session, with the presence of Benedict Orma, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), and representatives of the African Union.

In his speech, Samir underscored the challenges posed by the global pandemic and the regional instability that has impacted the continent.

He emphasized that the ongoing session of the exhibition aligns with the completion of the first ten-year plan of the continental development strategy, which seeks to bolster Africa's global economic standing.

The Minister emphasized the government's efforts to encourage economic integration among neighboring African countries, furthering the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area and promoting the welfare of African populations. Egypt aims to foster enhanced economic cooperation and collaboration with neighboring African nations in the pursuit of comprehensive development for the entire continent.

Samir reaffirmed Egypt's dedication to participating actively in all continental activities that promote economic cooperation among countries. He expressed optimism about leveraging the intra-African trade exhibition to facilitate agreements and contracts aimed at bolstering trade and industry across the African continent.