Singapore and Egypt have agreed to study the feasibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) as both countries aim to expand economic cooperation and build on their longstanding partnership.

The announcement came during Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s official visit to Cairo, where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said both leaders agreed it was “timely” to examine the potential for an FTA, highlighting the two countries’ complementary strengths and strategic locations.

Bilateral economic ties between Singapore and Egypt date back decades, underpinned by a Bilateral Investment Treaty signed in 1997 and in force since 2002, which guarantees protections for investors and access to international arbitration. In 2006, the two countries issued a Declaration of Intent to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, laying the groundwork for current discussions.

Relations, first established in 1965 when Egypt became the first Arab country to recognize Singapore’s independence, have since expanded across multiple sectors, including maritime, education, and health.

During the visit, the two presidents witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as maritime cooperation, enterprise development, health, agriculture, and social protection.

Key agreements included a maritime cooperation MoU between the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Egypt’s Ministry of Transport to create a digital map of logistics corridors, ports, and industrial zones, as well as plans for capacity building and project funding.

Another agreement between SCE and the Ministry of Planning outlined broader cooperation in ports, maritime digitalization, and cybersecurity, while also supporting a feasibility study to transform West Port Said into a Smart Port.

On enterprise development, SCE and Egypt’s MSME and Startups Development Agency agreed to collaborate on digitalizing the national MSME platform, developing strategies for startups, and strengthening institutional capacity.

In the social sector, Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development and Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity committed to policy exchange and capacity building in areas such as social services, family development, women’s empowerment, and social enterprises.

Health and agriculture also featured prominently, with agreements covering medical biotechnology, aged care, sustainable healthcare facilities, and large-scale rice cultivation on reclaimed desert land, including the development of climate-resilient varieties.

An MoU between Singapore’s Civil Service College and Egypt’s National Training Academy will strengthen public sector cooperation and enhance leadership, governance, and administration.

Looking ahead to the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties, President Tharman invited President Al Sisi to visit Singapore in 2026.