| Arab countries represent an important component in Egypt’s economic and trade policies for many reasons, including geographic and cultural proximity, as well as similar tastes. Egypt has, thus, sought to build and maintain close ties with Arab countries in order to realize an Arab economic union and a common Arab market. In the context of Egypt’s efforts to promote exports and boost international trade as a critical element in achieving economic growth, Egypt joined the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. Though it represents one of the most important regional agreements signed by Egypt, the agreement still requires a lot of work before it can achieve its objectives, especially in terms of substantially increasing Egyptian exports to the region. |