"Egypt is a strong potential partner for Germany," explained the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Dr Gerd Müller in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, on 5 February.

Dr Müller signed an agreement with the Egyptian agriculture minister, Amin Abaza for closer co-operation on veterinary matters.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• co-operation on the drawing up of health certificates for animals and products of animal origin
• mutual support regarding the import, export and feasibility of live animals and animal products
• the exchange of knowledge on animal health and of veterinary experts
• mutual technical support on procedures of the veterinary services of both countries.

At the same time, both parties signed a veterinary certificate to permit the export of German breeding cattle to Egypt.

Because of the agreement, opening of the markets for further animal products will be facilitated. The Egyptian veterinary authorities intend for their market to open soon to imports of German poultry meat, live poultry and other poultry products.

State Secretary Müller is optimistic this will be the start of a successful co-operation with Egypt, not only in the veterinary field but also in bilateral agricultural trade.

According to Dr Müller, German agricultural and food products worth €40 million were exported to Egypt last year. He sees good opportunities for German meat producers as well as for exporters of breeding and commercial animals. It is estimated that imports of poultry meat into Egypt will go up four-fold from the current 37,000 tonnes to 149,000 tonnes within ten years.

"For beef, exports to Egypt are expected to exceed 110,000 tonnes in the same period," said Dr Müller.