The Saudi-Egyptian Joint Committee's follow-up team held its first meeting in Cairo on October 9-10, 2024, to address the committee's 18th session recommendations. The meeting was chaired by Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade Deputy Governor for International Relations Abdulaziz Al-Sakran and head of the Agreements and Foreign Trade Sector at the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and Trade Dr. Amani Al-Wasal. The meeting focused on monitoring the implementation of both countries' strategic directions, reviewing the progress of joint committee recommendations and initiatives, identifying challenges and proposing solutions, and exploring new opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic relations. Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt witnessed a significant increase in the first half of 2024, reaching approximately $8 billion, a 41% rise compared to the same period last year. Metal products, plastics, and their derivatives were among the leading Saudi exports to Egypt, while metal products, copper, and th eir derivatives were prominent Egyptian imports. The meeting was attended by Saudi representatives from the ministries of commerce, energy, culture, investment, education, health, human resources and social development, communications and information technology, sport, finance, industry and mineral resources, tourism, environment, water and agriculture, transport and logistic services, municipalities and housing, Islamic affairs, dawah and guidance, and media, as well as from the Saudi Central Bank, the General Authority of Foreign Trade, the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and the Federation of Saudi Chambers. Source: Saudi Press Agency