Chemical Export Council and GIZ Host Workshop on Green Transition, Launch EU Export Incubator
hamdy Abdelrashid
To enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian exports amid changing global standards, the Chemical and Fertilizers Export Council, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), organized a specialized workshop titled "Responding to Green Transition Requirements in Chemical Sector Exports." The event featured participation from the Chamber of Chemical Industries, the Egyptian General Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS), the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), alongside industry experts and exporting companies.
Green Transition as an Economic Imperative
Mohamed Maged, Executive Director of the Council, opened the workshop by emphasizing that the green transition has evolved from a purely environmental issue into a critical economic and commercial determinant that dictates survival in global supply chains.
He noted that the chemical industry was among the first sectors to adapt to sustainability requirements. With the European Union accounting for approximately 42% of the sector's exports, Maged stressed that aligning with new environmental legislation is a strategic necessity, not an option.
"Future competition will not only be about manufacturing the best product but proving to the world that it was produced sustainably," Maged stated.
Key Announcements and Initiatives
During the event, the Council announced several major initiatives to support local manufacturers:
EU Export Incubator: The launch of a program aimed at qualifying Egyptian companies to meet European requirements. The incubator will conclude with a trade mission to France from February 1 to 4, 2027, offering direct networking opportunities with European partners.
International Exhibitions: Opening registration for companies to join the Egyptian pavilion in six upcoming international trade fairs across targeted markets.
Sustainability Workshops: A new series of technical workshops designed to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into corporate operations and draft actionable global export plans.
Navigating Global Environmental Regulations
Eng. Shady Nasr, Chemical Industries Consultant at GIZ, reviewed the latest global trends in environmental legislation affecting international trade. He highlighted critical frameworks such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the REACH regulation, and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Nasr emphasized that compliance with these circular economy requirements is vital for securing market access in Europe, the UK, and the US.
Institutional Support and Financial Incentives
Representatives from standard-setting bodies detailed their ongoing support for exporters:
GOEIC & EOS Services: Mohamed Refaqa (GOEIC) and Dr. Hany El-Sharkawy (EOS) outlined their respective technical services, which include accredited laboratory testing, product conformity verification, quality mark issuance, and digital procedures designed to streamline the export process.
National Registry: Eng. Mohamed El-Wazir, Innovation and Private Sector Development Consultant at Lynx, discussed the importance of establishing a national registry for certified technical service providers to easily connect companies with qualified support.
Concluding the workshop, Eng. Diaa El-Din Hamza, Executive Director of the Chamber of Chemical Industries, praised the high engagement from local companies. To further support their compliance with international technical and environmental standards, he announced a 30% discount for Chamber members on laboratory analysis services conducted at EOS and GOEIC facilities.