[Meet the Ambassador to Korea] "Egypt Is a Global Logistics Hub... We Strongly Encourage Korean Companies to Use It as a Business Base"

Hajam Zaki, Egyptian Ambassador to Korea, stated, "Egypt is located in a geographically crucial position, and the Suez Canal is a key hub through which a vast portion of global trade logistics passes. I strongly encourage Korean companies to utilize Egypt as a production and business hub for the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean region."

Ambassador Hajam Zaki shared these achievements and future visions in an interview with The Asia Business Daily at the Embassy of Egypt in Korea on March 30, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both Korea and Egypt are located in strategic regions-Northeast Asia and the Middle East/Africa respectively-where the interests of major powers intersect. Ambassador Zaki emphasized that these geopolitical advantages should be leveraged not only for national defense and security, but also as a driving force for nurturing talent and promoting peace.

Ambassador Zaki particularly noted that the model of economic cooperation between the two countries is evolving beyond simple trade toward local production and joint investment. He explained, "Egypt offers a large labor force, favorable tax incentives, and a strong incentive in the form of free trade agreements (FTA) with European, African, Middle Eastern nations, and other regional and international partners. If Korea's technological prowess combines with Egypt's competitive incentives, it will yield a win-win outcome for both countries."

Ambassador Zaki added that there are already visible success stories on the ground. Samsung Electronics is operating a large-scale factory between Cairo and Beni Suef and is looking forward to further expansion. LG Electronics is also cited as a successful investment case. "Our core message is to expand such success stories beyond home appliances and electronics to encompass advanced industries like artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, batteries, and railway infrastructure," he said. The following is a Q&A with the Egyptian Ambassador to Korea.

Hajam Jakky, Ambassador of Egypt to Korea, gave an interview to The Asia Business Daily on the 26th of last month. Photo by Dongjoo Yoon

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-Last year, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, there was active high-level exchange between the two countries. What were the main achievements?

▲ First of all, the visit of the President of Korea to Egypt was highly significant. During the visit, the two countries agreed to establish a presidential working group to coordinate the development of bilateral relations. Initiating the review of specific cooperation projects through this mechanism was a very important step forward. In addition, the two countries decided to begin official negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). We are currently looking forward to the visit of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Korea and a Korea-Egypt foreign ministers' meeting.

-What are the cooperative projects that the Egyptian government is most focused on?

▲ We hope that Korean companies will use Egypt as a manufacturing base for the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Samsung and LG have already established very successful cases, and we want to see the scope of their business expand further. In particular, the Egyptian government places great importance on developing railway infrastructure, and a joint production project for railway vehicles is underway in cooperation with Hyundai Rotem and the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (NIC). We also expect Korean participation across industries such as electric vehicles, batteries, home appliances, and AI.

-How does the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) differ from existing trade agreements?

▲ It is much more comprehensive than a simple free trade agreement (FTA). Korea has significant advantages in industrial sectors, and to balance this, we are emphasizing joint investment and the establishment of local factories. The model in which Korean factories in Egypt produce goods for export to Europe and Africa is mutually beneficial for both countries.

-What are the specific forms of cooperation in the private and public sectors?

▲ An active business council is operating with the participation of the Egyptian Businessmen's Association and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). There are various forms of cooperation. Some Korean companies, like Samsung and LG, invest directly; others, like Hyundai Motor Company, form joint ventures with local groups such as Ghabbour to assemble and manufacture vehicles locally.

-Cooperation in the defense industry is also notable.

▲ Korea's defense industry technology is outstanding. The 2022 export contract for the K9 self-propelled howitzer is particularly significant because it includes not only simple exports but also joint production. Korea's successfully developed KF-21 fighter jets and other jointly produced products are not only used by the Egyptian military but also have great potential for export to third countries.

-You emphasized the importance of talent development and academic exchange. Do you have any concrete ideas?

▲ We hope to see Korean universities established in Egypt. Universities from the US, Germany, France, and Japan already have a presence in Egypt. If a Korean university with strengths in science and technology opens, Egyptian talent educated under the Korean system could immediately contribute to Korean companies or the Middle East and African markets. This would be an excellent solution to address the shortage of skilled workers.

-Are there plans to operate direct flights to boost tourism?

▲ Charter flights operate during the winter season (January-February), but we are actively working with airlines to establish regular direct flights. At the large-scale tourism expo scheduled for June, we plan to set up an Egypt pavilion to promote the country's value alongside officials from the Ministry of Tourism.

-Which attractions would you most recommend to Korean tourists?

▲ The 'Grand Egyptian Museum' is the top recommendation. It is the largest single-civilization museum in the world and houses an enormous collection of ancient artifacts. The museum is also close to the Giza Pyramids, making it possible to visit both in a single day. I also recommend visiting the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids are located and which features an eco-friendly electric bus system, as well as the resort destinations along the Red Sea, known as underwater gardens.

-What is the ultimate goal for bilateral relations over the next 30 years?

▲ The goal is to foster deep friendship and vibrant people-to-people exchanges that go beyond simple diplomatic relations. Through student exchanges and tourism, we need to understand each other better. Economically, our top priority is to fully realize our potential, create jobs, achieve prosperity, and continue 'fruitful cooperation' that improves quality of life.

Hajam Zaki, Egyptian Ambassador to Korea, is giving an interview with The Asia Business Daily. Photo by Yoon Dongju

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