Egypt and Japan discussed boosting agricultural exports, technology cooperation, and joint investments.
By: Mohamed Zain
Fri, May. 15, 2026
Egypt is seeking deeper agricultural cooperation with Japan through expanded exports, advanced farming technology partnerships, and new joint investment opportunities in food production and agricultural manufacturing.
Exports, food security, agricultural technology, and investment cooperation
Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk held talks with Fumio Iwai to discuss ways to strengthen agricultural cooperation and remove obstacles facing agricultural exports between the two countries.
During the meeting, Farouk stressed the importance Egypt places on supporting the private sector, highlighting its major role in driving economic growth amid expanding investment opportunities in agriculture.
He pointed to large national agricultural projects, including the New Delta Project, as examples of Egypt’s ongoing agricultural expansion strategy.
Egypt is seeking stronger agricultural partnerships with Japan while aiming to expand exports and attract new investment into the sector.
Farouk invited Japanese companies to establish joint Egyptian-Japanese investments and commercial partnerships in the agricultural sector, while calling for greater efforts to improve the trade balance between both countries.
He also urged Japan to open its market to more Egyptian agricultural products with international-quality standards, including frozen strawberries and Egyptian grapes.
The minister said Egypt hopes to become a strategic partner in supporting Japan’s food security amid ongoing global crises affecting supply chains and international food trade.
Japanese officials highlighted growing imports of Egyptian agricultural products across several sectors.
Farouk emphasized the importance of benefiting from Japan’s advanced agricultural technologies and modern farming equipment.
According to the minister, these technologies could help Egypt improve water and land efficiency, address climate change challenges, reduce production costs for farmers, modernize irrigation systems, and tackle soil salinity and fragmented land ownership.
He also called for facilitating communication between business communities in both countries and organizing joint meetings to explore agricultural trade, manufacturing, and investment opportunities.
Egypt says Japanese agricultural technology could help improve irrigation efficiency, lower farming costs, and address climate-related challenges.
For his part, Ambassador Fumio Iwai said Japan currently imports around 40% of its frozen strawberry needs from Egypt, with the products used in several food industries, including confectionery and desserts.
He added that Egyptian exports to Japan in 2025 included 2,225 tons of dried onions and 2,504 tons of Egyptian oranges.
The ambassador also highlighted Japan’s interest in expanding investments in Egypt’s food processing and agricultural manufacturing sectors.
He pointed specifically to Japan Food Solutions, which operates a factory in the industrial zone of 6th of October City.
Egypt is seeking wider access for agricultural exports inside the Japanese market.
Japan’s advanced farming technologies are viewed as key tools for improving efficiency and sustainability.
Egypt aims to become a strategic partner in supporting Japan’s food security needs.
Both sides are exploring new agricultural manufacturing and food processing partnerships.
The discussions reflect Egypt’s broader strategy to expand agricultural exports, attract foreign investment, and strengthen partnerships focused on food security, sustainability, and modern farming technologies.
As global supply chain pressures continue affecting food markets worldwide, Egyptian officials are increasingly positioning the country as both a regional agricultural hub and a strategic international food partner.