Egypt signs EU Tigara agreement to boost trade, industry

Egypt signed on Tuesday a €8 million agreement with the European Union for the activation of the EU Tigara programme, aimed at enhancing trade, industry, and market access.

The EU Tigara programme focuses on two main objectives: improving the efficiency and capability of Egypt’s trade and industry systems and increasing the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in selected industrial value chains. It will support Egyptian institutions in developing and encouraging enterprises and industrial clusters.

The five-year initiative, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with Egyptian Ministries of Industry and Investment and Foreign Trade and the EU, will focus on enhancing the efficiency of trade and industry systems, and increasing SME involvement in key industrial sectors.

It aims to boost the competitiveness and efficiency of Egypt’s private sector, boost sustainable economic growth, and create decent job opportunities.

The programme’s focus includes industry, exports, and transport infrastructure, highlighting the importance of diverse transportation methods—such as road, rail, and maritime transport—for accessing both domestic and international markets.