Egyptian exports to Spain almost doubled in the first half of 2017 to stand at 344 million dollars against 233 million dollars in the corresponding period last year, the Egyptian trade minister said.

Tareq Qabil said this proves the success of the ministry's plan meant to up exports via opening new markets abroad and reduce imports, especially of products that can be locally manufactured, according to a statement issued by the Trade and Industry Ministry.

Egyptian imports from Spain almost halved in the first half of 2017 standing at 550 million dollars against 1.3 billion dollars in the same period last year, added the statement.