Cairo: Egypt has secured approval to export fresh pomegranates to Venezuela, expanding the reach of its agricultural exports as part of a broader push to diversify foreign markets and boost hard-currency earnings. Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk announced the move, saying the agreement supports the government's export diversification strategy and aligns with directives to strengthen the national economy.

According to State Information Service Egypt, a joint report from the Egyptian Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) highlighted that Venezuela's decision came after technical negotiations on phytosanitary standards, with no additional plant health conditions imposed on Egyptian pomegranates. This development marks a significant milestone in Egypt's efforts to broaden its agricultural export portfolio.

Farouk credited the success to the efforts of Egypt's quarantine officials, agricultural relations departments, and accredited laboratories, along with producers' adherence to international standards, which have reinforced global confidence in Egyptian produce. He emphasized that the ministry will continue to expand export opportunities for Egyptian crops by opening new markets in collaboration with farmers and exporters, building on recent gains from large-scale national agricultural projects.