Egypt to export grapes to China soon

Egypt and China will sign an agreement soon to export grapes to the Asian country, Chairman of the Agriculture Export Council (AEC) Abdel Hamid el Demerdash said on Sunday.

Speaking to MENA, Demerdash said the council seeks to export 1,000 tons of grapes in the first phase, noting that it takes two years to start exporting products to any country.

He pointed out that the Russian delegation, which visited Egypt recently, has reviewed measures taken by Egypt to resume the export of products to the Russian market.

The council exported 3.7 million tons of products at a total cost of 2.2 billion dollars during the period from January to October, he said, adding that efforts are underway to open new markets in Africa and southeast Asia.

He further praised the government's decision to liberalize the exchange rate, describing it as a "positive and important step" to reform Egypt's economy, attract more investments and increase exports.