A new report from the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) examines the potential for Egypt to become Ireland's next big export market over the next five years.
Egypt is currently Ireland's third largest Arab export market, accounting for almost 8% of Ireland’s total exports to the Arab region.
Irish exports to the African country reached €169.9m in the first nine months of 2025, up 5% from 2024.
The key export categories include dairy, pharmaceuticals, fish, seafood, and essential oils.
If you add services as well, exports reach nearly €1.2 billion, according to AICC CEO Ahmad Younis.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Younis described the second largest economy in Africa as a good option for Irish exporters to do business.
"It's over 100 million people of a population there, it's got a very young population, 60% are less than 30 years of age," he said.
"And also Egyptian Air fly four times a week, which makes connections a lot closer," said Mr Younis.
World Bank estimates show that around one third of Egypt's population lives in poverty, and two years ago, the country was dealing with a financial and economic crisis.
However, Mr Younis said the country is currently stabilising.
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"They did have an issue of getting foreign currencies, of buying, importing into their own country, but they stabilised that in the last two or three years," he said.
"It has increased exports from here (Ireland) to Egypt by 5% last year, and the year before by another 5% so it's continuing to grow," said Mr Younis.
"It's a huge country, it's over 100 million people. I think if Ireland try and concentrate on 5%, 10% of that market, it can be very, very valuable," he added.
The report highlights the growing importance of trade diversification for Ireland in light of global geopolitical shifts and volatility in key markets.
As Ireland seeks to broaden its international trade relationship, Mr Younis said the AICC can help guide and support businesses with the rules and regulations of exporting to Egypt.
"It can be a little bit complicated, but this is where we'll hold your hand and guide you through, make it simple," he said.
"It would be amazing if Ireland had a representative from Enterprise Ireland or Board Bia, who's on the ground that can actually give a holding hand to people who land in Egypt to see what the opportunities are," he added.
