Egypt has played a major role in promoting economic integration among African countries since the era of late president Gamal Abdel Naser, said COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Programs Kipyego Cheluget.

In an interview with MENA correspondent here, Cheluget said that Egypt's membership in the COMESA is crucial for this bloc.

Given its great status in the various spheres, Egypt's role is vital in the COMESA through TRADE AND INVESTMENT, he added. 

COMESA also provides a big commercial market for Egypt, he said, adding that Egypt imports tea from Kenya and the latter imports electrical appliances from Egypt.

The increase of trade exchange operations among the COMESA countries will lead to attaining economic integration, he further said. 

Egypt voiced keenness on hosting the COMESA summit in 2019 in an official letter sent to the COMESA secretary general, he added. 

Source: MENA