Egyptian petroleum minister Tarek El Molla met with the UK’s Investment Minister, Graham Stuart, to discuss increasing investments between the two countries in the oil and natural gas industries, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

The two officials also discussed ways to encourage British companies operating in Egypt to boost investments in major oil projects, as well as persuading new firms to enter the Egyptian market.

The minister and his guests reviewed opportunities to encourage British firms to invest in Egypt’s exploration and production (E&P) and field development projects. The meeting discussed investments opportunities in the petrochemical industry as well as refining and infrastructure projects.

The meeting reviewed the Egyptian government’s economic reforms – such as the new investment law and the gas market regulating law – which are helping to improve the investment climate.

The meeting was attended by a British delegation accompanying the minister, along with UK’s Ambassador to Egypt, John Casson.