Egypt and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1954. Since that time, both countries have enjoyed warm ties with a wide range of areas of common interests and cooperation, especially in the search for a just and comprehensive peace settlement for the Middle East conflict.
Canada has always looked to Egypt, which enjoys a unique geographical location and vast human resources, as a major regional power that plays a significant role in Africa and the Middle East, and a country that has a major role in the peace process in the Middle East.
On the other hand, Egypt has always valued the Canadian role on the international arena especially in the fields of peace-keeping and conflict resolution, a trend that started with the Canadian initiative to establish the UN peace-keeping forces during the 1956 Suez Crisis.
Moreover, through its membership in the G8 and other international organizations, Canada has always been a great supporter for poverty reduction and developmental efforts in the least developed countries especially for debt relief in Africa.
The visit made by the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit to Ottawa in September 2004, and the meetings he held with various Canadian officials to discuss ways to further promote relations between the two countries and exchange views on issues of mutual interest, had a great impact on the bilateral relations between the two countries. Moreover, since his appointment as the Canadian Foreign Minister, Mr. Pierre Pettigrew has visited Egypt several times, either for bilateral consultations or to attend regional and international conferences and summits held in Egypt.
BILATERAL TRADE
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) started its contribution to the development process in Egypt in 1976, and currently providing around 20 million Canadian dollars annually. CIDA program in Egypt has helped in the development of various sectors, especially fields of education , small and medium enterprises, and health-care with an emphasis on women’s development. However, Canada’s International Policy Statement Review published in April 2005 has reduced the recipient countries. Yet, the current projects financed by the Agency in Egypt will be completed, and future economic aid will be mutually agreed upon.
Trade between Egypt and Canada is on the rise. It reached US $ 310 million in the year 2004 compared to US $ 250 million in the year 2003 and US $ 155 million in 2002. Last year, Egyptian exports reached a record high of US $ 116 million consisting mainly of coal, newsprint, wheat and cereals pulses and oil seeds, paperboard and wood pulp, telecommunications and high-tech equipment. Canadian investments in Egypt are expected to rise to almost US $ 2 billion with most of it in the fields of gas and oil in addition to other areas like chemicals, food, tourism, and construction.
Canadian-Egyptian Business Council was established in 1979 to promote bilateral trade and investments between the two countries, Mr. Motaz Raslaan Chairman of the Council headed a delegation of businessmen, senior government officials, parliamentarians, and media which visited Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal in May/June 2005. The visit was very successful, and is expected to become an annual event to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Council’s address in Canada:
Canadian Egypt Business Council
1980 Shebrooke St. West
9th Floor, Suite 900
Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3H 1E8
Tel.:1-514-935-6300
Fax: 1-514-933-9710
E-mail: info@ceba.ca