Egypt and Thailand sign three pacts to boost trade ties

Joint Ministerial Committee meets after 20-year hiatus

The Joint Ministerial Committee met in Bangkok on Friday, 16 October 2026, to revive cooperation between Egypt and Thailand after a 20-year hiatus. The meeting was co-chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

The session took place alongside the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok. Deputy Prime Minister Phuangketkeow said hosting the summit will boost global confidence and highlight Thailand’s economic trajectory.

Thailand is located in Mainland Southeast Asia and has a population of nearly 66 million people. It is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, with a 2022 GDP of 17.367 trillion baht, or approximately US$495 billion.

Exports accounted for about 58 per cent of Thailand’s gross domestic product in 2021. As of July 2018, the country held US$237.5 billion in international reserves, the second-largest amount in Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s consumer confidence index fell to 48.9 in September from 49.5 in August, as households remained concerned about the cost of living and debt. The Trade Policy and Strategy Office has raised the full-year inflation forecast to between 1.8 and 2.2 per cent, citing energy and food costs.

Spending during the upcoming Vegetarian Festival is projected to reach 46.91 billion baht, a 2.2 per cent annual increase. Thailand is the world’s 12th-largest ice cream exporter and remains the top exporter in Asia.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has instructed the Department of Internal Trade to ensure adequate distribution of goods and prevent price gouging in flood-hit areas. The IMF reported that artificial intelligence investments are sustaining global economic growth at around 3 per cent in 2026.

Bilateral trade currently valued at $1.2 billion

Minister Abdelatty said he wants to increase trade, improve access for Egyptian exports to the Thai market and build stronger links between business communities.

The Egyptian foreign minister highlighted investment opportunities in the Suez Canal Economic Zone during his meeting with the Thai Prime Minister. He also stated that Egypt is prepared to support the localisation of Thai industries.

Thai investments are currently active in the Egyptian tourism, hospitality, textiles, garments and food industries. An official named Zaki said there are significant opportunities to increase exports from both countries.

Minister Abdelatty said Egypt acts as a strategic gateway to African markets while Thailand provides access to the Asia-Pacific region.

Strategic gateway to African and Asian markets

The two nations aim to connect the economies of Thailand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with Egypt and the African continent. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty welcomed Thailand’s initiative to relaunch the Thailand–Africa Initiative during the meetings. He highlighted Egypt’s potential role in supporting Thailand’s engagement with the continent and noted that this cooperation could contribute to the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Economic discussions also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on regional growth. The International Monetary Fund estimates that the AI boom could add between 0.5 and 1 percentage point to growth in advanced Asian economies. For emerging Asian economies, including Thailand, the growth boost is estimated at between 0.2 and 0.8 percentage point.

The International Monetary Fund also warned of significant implications for employment and productivity. It estimates that artificial intelligence could eventually augment, downgrade or eliminate 40% of jobs.

Diplomatic relations dating back to 1954

Diplomatic relations between Egypt and Thailand were established in 1954. The Thai prime minister described the recent visit by the Egyptian foreign minister as the first of its kind in 30 years.

Thai Prime Minister invited to visit Egypt in 2027

The Thai prime minister has accepted an invitation to visit Egypt in 2027. During the meetings, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty conveyed greetings from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to the Thai leader. The Thai prime minister expressed appreciation for the president’s role in helping to contain regional crises.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul extended an invitation for President Sisi to visit Thailand. Both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments and Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance diplomatic solutions to ongoing crises. Thailand expressed strong appreciation for Egypt’s diplomatic efforts and its role in promoting regional stability, according to spokesperson Nader Zaki.

Thailand hosts 2026 IMF–World Bank meetings

The ministerial talks took place alongside the annual IMF and World Bank Group meetings in Bangkok. Thailand is hosting the event from 12 to 18 October at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, marking the second time the kingdom has staged the meeting since 1991.

The nation is leveraging the meetings to spur foreign investment and advance technology transfers. It is also launching its "Bangkok Blueprint" for digital finance during the summit.