Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk held a series of important bilateral meetings with representatives of leading international companies and institutions operating in the grain sector. This took place on the sidelines of his participation as a guest of honor at the Fifth Russian Grain Forum, held in Sochi from May 20 to 23, 2026.
The minister met with Alexey Grebanov, CEO of Demetra Holding, one of Russia's largest companies specializing in grain trading and logistics, which plays a key role in Russian grain exports to global markets, including Egypt. The meeting was attended by Egypt's Ambassador to Russia, Hamdy Shaaban.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Egypt and Demetra Holding, where both sides reviewed mechanisms to expand collaboration beyond wheat supply contracts toward strategic investment partnerships. Both sides stressed the strong Egyptian-Russian economic relations, particularly in the field of food security, with Russia among Egypt's main wheat suppliers.
The talks also align with the leadership directives in both countries to diversify supply sources, develop storage and transport infrastructure, and explore establishing a regional logistics hub for grain trade and storage at Egyptian ports. The meeting also discussed developing this hub into an integrated regional center that goes beyond storage and re-export activities to include value-added grain industries, such as flour and pasta production, as well as oil and animal feed manufacturing projects.
The meeting reflects the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade's commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with major global companies in the grain sector, diversifying food supply sources, and securing essential commodities for Egyptian citizens, in line with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's directives to enhance food security and ensure the sustainability of basic goods availability.