Egyptian foreign trade arrives in Beirut

Egyptian foreign trade and industry minister Muneer Fakhri began an official visit to Beirut Friday for talks with Lebanese officials on promotion of economic and trade relations. The one-day visit aims at "developing economic and trade relations between the two sides," Fakhri said in a brief statement shortly after arrival. Trade exchange between Lebanon and Egypt has been exceeded USD 700 million since 2008, while Lebanese investment in Egypt are estimated at more than USD 260 million. The two countries signed several cooperation agreements in June 2010. They cover domains of manpower, tourism, education, higher education, scientific research, administrative development, electricity and energy, and culture.