Egypt, Saudi Arabia explore deeper industrial integration

Egypt and Saudi Arabia plan to expand industrial cooperation and integration across key sectors, with Cairo calling for more Saudi investment in aluminum and chemical industries, Egypt’s ministry of industry said on Wednesday.

Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir met Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef on the sidelines of the Third Saudi International Iron and Steel Conference in Riyadh to discuss new investment opportunities and joint projects.

El-Wazir said Egypt is looking to attract additional Saudi capital, particularly in aluminum and PVC chemical production, to strengthen cross-border value chains and boost industrial output in both countries.

“Saudi Arabia is among Egypt’s largest investors, and our economic partnership is based on strategic cooperation and shared development goals,” El-Wazir said, adding that Egypt’s Ministry of Industry is committed to supporting Saudi firms already operating or seeking new ventures in the country.

He said Egypt’s iron and steel sector remains one of the most integrated in the region — spanning from ore extraction and pelletising to finished manufacturing — and continues to play a central role in industrial development.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen coordination, implement joint industrial projects, and enhance competitiveness across regional supply chains, positioning Egypt and Saudi Arabia as leading industrial hubs in the Middle East.