Trade turnover in 2024 grew by 43%, exceeding USD 1.8 billion – the highest level in bilateral relations to date
Egypt is Bulgaria’s largest trade and economic partner in the Middle East and Africa region, while Bulgaria ranks among Egypt’s top eight partners from EU member states in 2024. This became clear during a meeting in Cairo between the Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, and H.E. Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade. This is confirmed by trade data for 2024, which marks a 43% increase compared to 2023, exceeding USD 1.8 billion – the highest level in bilateral relations to date.
Minister Dilov and Hassan El-Khatib discussed opportunities to deepen trade relations between Bulgaria and Egypt across a number of sectors. Both emphasised the immense potential within these economic relations, noting that cooperation is developing upon a stable foundation of trade exchange, investment interests, and strengthened partnerships.
The Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, stressed that Egypt values its long-standing partnership with Bulgaria and strives to strengthen cooperation in priority sectors.
Minister Dilov is the head of the Bulgarian delegation participating in the Second Session of the Intergovernmental Commission between Bulgaria and Egypt, taking place in Cairo this week. The two ministers agreed that the upcoming session of the joint commission would serve as an important platform for advancing cooperation, strengthening private sector partnerships, and exploring new investment opportunities.
Minister Dilov was also an official guest at the opening of the Fourth Edition of EDEX-2025, the largest defence technology exhibition on the African continent, held in the Egyptian capital. There, the Economy Minister also held a meeting with H.E. Eng. Mohamed Salah El-Din Mustafa, Minister of State for Military Production of Egypt. They discussed cooperation in the defence industry, which remains one of the most dynamic elements of bilateral relations. “Bulgarian enterprises traditionally participate in the EDEX exhibition, with nearly 10 Bulgarian companies representing our country in this edition,” emphasised Dilov.
During the period 2024–2025, significant growth has also been observed in bilateral trade of defence products, indicating stable interest and trust from the Egyptian side, it was further revealed at the bilateral meeting. Over 450 companies from 86 countries, including Bulgaria, are participating in the Fourth Edition of the EDEX-2025 military exhibition. Technologies from Bulgaria, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Türkiye, South Korea, the USA, etc. are on display.
The meetings were also attended by the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Egypt, Deyan Katrachev.