Introduction
The Food Export Council FEC, is one of the leading export councils established by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, The food export council is the link between private sector exporters and government regime. The council aims at improving the legislative and business environment for Egypt’s processed food industry, by improving the competitive advantage of the sector, and to strength
ening the industry’s positive image in the world market place. To accomplish its objectives, the FEC provides services to match between political decisions and business interests, including hosting events in Egypt as well as participating in conferences, workshops, and fairs abroad to have a hand out experience on the requirements of exports all over the world. Establishing FEC:
The idea behind establishing the Council emerged from the need to have an entity acting as a liaison between the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the producers of all types of food commodity in the Arab Republic of Egypt; as well as work within an organizational frame combining producers, exporters, and food commodities. This decree has been changed with Ministerial decree number 543/2005 amending the name of the Commodity Council to Export Council
The Council, when first established, was chaired by Dr. Mounir Massoud in 2003, and is currently chaired by Tarek Tawfik, from May 2005 to date. Membership for the Council is restricted to companies that work in the export of food commodities. FEC Objective:
Clearing and highlighting Egypt’s food industry reputation and image by promoting the Egyptian food processing industry as being a reliable and reputable business partner for domestic and international buyers, suppliers, government decision makers and other relevant players. In addition to that, it aims at publicizing its contribution to Egypt’s economic growth. To achieve its objectives FEC works closely and share information with various organizations such as: General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), Egyptian Export Promotion Center (EEPC), Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS), Industrial Modernization Center (IMC), Foreign Trade Training Center (FTTC), Chamber of Food Industry (CFI), Food technology center (FTC), in addition to international donors and stakeholders working in the sector such as Japanese International Corporate Agency (JICA), Japanese External Trading Organization (JETRO), EU Delegation in Egypt, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA), et cetera . FEC Activities:
Government Support Program:
Introducing and creating awareness among food exporters on the government support program. Classify supported commodities according to HS Codes
Data Collection and Analysis
Disseminate monthly data to the Minister’s office in coordination with GOEIC for the following items:
Growth increase for each sub-sector
Identify the largest exports during a given period of time
Analyze the effect of the various trade agreements on exports
Analyze Egyptian food exports and imports to regional, and international markets
Coordinate with all entities working in the sector to establish a reliable data base. Continuous check of member companies ID codes, HS codes, and Export figures
Government Advocacy:
Lobby and support in decisions related to the sector
Address problems faced by food exporters
Identify trade agreements application problems and suggest solutions
Enhance Egypt position in all foreign trade agreements negotiations
Prepare the national food export strategy
Circulate important information and data to members such as :
Export opportunities
Market studies
Ministerial decrees
Foreign trade agreements
Donors funding availability including terms and condition
Sectorial studies per commodity
Increase Egypt’s Food Export
Establish an endowment for disaster funds
Represent the Sector in all related international fares
Support exporters with data, services and studies
Support members with reliable information in penetrating new markets
FEC Sub-Committees
Data Collection
Poultry
Dairy
Advocacy
International fairs
Frozen vegetables and fruits
Business Councils
