Arab Finance: Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade has introduced a training grant covering 75% of program costs for companies in the food, medical, and textile industries to improve their export readiness and access to international markets, as per a statement.

The grant follows a cooperation protocol between the ministry’s Foreign Trade Training Center (FTTC) and the Export Development Fund. Participating trainees will pay the remaining 25% of the program cost.

Minister of Investment Mohamed Farid Saleh said improving the capabilities of Egyptian companies and preparing them to export are central to the ministry’s strategy to increase exports and strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian products. Official sources identify Saleh as the current minister.

The program targets company owners, export and marketing employees, and staff working in other relevant departments at companies operating in food manufacturing, medical industries, and textiles and spinning.

The project has begun with two training courses attended by 42 participants. The programs aim to develop the knowledge and practical skills required at different stages of the export process, helping participating companies meet foreign-market requirements.

Saleh said cooperation among the ministry’s affiliated bodies allows companies to access specialized training and support services. Investing in companies and their employees, he added, is necessary to broaden Egypt’s exporter base, diversify exported products and destination markets, and help more businesses compete internationally.

The grant forms part of the ministry’s “Egypt Launches with Exports” initiative, which seeks to provide companies with the services and training required to enter international markets. The initiative has also been implemented through cooperation between the FTTC, universities, government bodies, and the private sector.

The ministry said the subsidized programs would help companies assess their export readiness, identify gaps in their capabilities, and prepare their employees to manage the export process more effectively.

Hatem El Nawawy, head of the Export Development Fund and the Egyptian Export Development Authority, said supporting companies’ export capabilities is essential to raising the competitiveness of priority sectors and improving their ability to pursue opportunities abroad. El Nawawy was appointed to lead both entities in June 2026.

He said the fund’s coverage of 75% of training expenses would give companies and their employees access to specialized programs at a lower cost, supporting workforce development and improving the efficiency of participating businesses.

Mary Kamel, executive director of the FTTC, said the center is developing training programs based on the needs of Egyptian companies seeking to expand their export activities. Her position is also confirmed in official accounts of the ministry’s export-capacity initiatives.

Kamel said the protocol demonstrates how the ministry is integrating its financial support and training tools to widen access to subsidized programs and help companies pursue opportunities in international markets.

The FTTC’s programs cover the full export process, beginning with assessments of whether a company and its products are ready for overseas markets. The courses also address market selection and requirements, export pricing and proposals, procedures and documentation, payment methods, financing, trade-risk insurance, and export-risk management.

Additional training covers compliance with trade and technical regulations, international trade agreements, and market-access requirements. The programs also examine how artificial intelligence tools can be used to research markets and customers, analyze information, and support business decisions.