Egypt, Tunisia strengthen agricultural ties through joint investments
Delegations from both countries agree on field visits to explore olive and sugar beet projects
EGYPT/TUNISIA – Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk met with a high-level Tunisian delegation on Monday, September 8, 2025, to discuss ways of expanding agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
The delegation, headed by Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, included Tunisian Ambassador to Egypt Mohamed Ben Youssef. Egypt’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Bassem Hassan, also attended the meeting.
Discussions centered on strengthening agricultural investments, exchanging expertise in desert land reclamation, and creating joint projects that can raise food production. Both sides highlighted opportunities in olive, date, and sugar beet cultivation, as well as related industries.
Minister Farouk stressed the importance of agriculture in deepening ties between Egypt and Tunisia. “The agricultural sector represents a fundamental pillar for strengthening these relations through effective partnerships,” he said. He confirmed Egypt’s readiness to provide facilitation and technical support for Tunisian investors.
He also noted recent progress in Egypt’s agricultural sector. “The agricultural sector in Egypt has witnessed a significant developmental renaissance in recent years, with unprecedented interest from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and continuous follow-up,” Farouk said.
He pointed to major development projects that have “completely transformed the face of Egypt and contributed to achieving comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development.”
Tunisia seeks to benefit from Egyptian experience
The Tunisian delegation praised Egypt’s progress, especially its large-scale agricultural projects. Majoul highlighted the significance of the meeting. “This meeting is a first step towards opening new horizons for fruitful cooperation,” he said.
He emphasized Tunisia’s interest in working with Egypt, citing the infrastructure and expertise that make joint projects practical.
At the close of discussions, both sides agreed on field visits within two days. The Tunisian team will examine sugar beet cultivation systems and production facilities. They will also inspect sites suitable for olive cultivation with a view to starting immediate projects.
This meeting comes at a time when Egypt is strengthening agricultural ties with several regional partners. In late August 2025, Cairo hosted talks with Sudanese officials that focused on joint irrigation initiatives along shared water basins.
The two countries agreed to develop training programs for farmers, aiming to boost productivity and protect natural resources.
By combining these bilateral efforts, Egypt hopes to build a stronger network of regional partnerships that can contribute to food security across North Africa. Farouk said the government is committed to creating an investment climate that encourages collaboration.
“The Egyptian state is keen to encourage investment, especially in areas related to agriculture and water, with many promising opportunities,” he added.
With both Egypt and Tunisia moving quickly on the agreed field visits, the meeting in Cairo marked the beginning of concrete steps toward shared agricultural growth.
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