www.bahrainthismonth.com 19 June 2023 interview almost 25,000 travelers visiting each year. We are looking forward to doubling it, and welcoming more and more visitors. We are also working with the Ministry of Tourism and look forward to having more tourists from Egypt to Bahrain whether Bahrain is their destination or while en route to Dubai. I welcome all of our sisters and brothers, locals and expatriates to visit Egypt. We have highly diverse tourist destinations including beaches, countryside, the Sahara and cultural destinations with monuments. What can you tell us about the role of cultural exchange between the two countries? This is one of the mega sectors of cooperation between both countries because we have been a part of the cultural process, movement and achievements of Bahrain for decades. We actively participate in cultural events in Bahrain and have a legal framework organised by our countries to facilitate these activities. What are the key sectors that Egyptian nationals are involved in here in Bahrain? Egyptians work in various fields in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We have teachers, university professors, lawyers, legal advisors, physicians, pharmacists and bankers too. We also have a new group of investors. In fact, there have been significant growth measures in terms of trade during the past three years. By the end of 2019, the balance sheet was around USD500 million, and now it is USD821 million. We aim to reach USD1 billion by the end of 2024. Bahrain exports aluminum, petro-chemicals and iron pellets to Egypt and we export ceramics, marble, medicines, dairy, fruits and vegetables among other products, to the Kingdom. Having recently visited Egypt, I can see why it is such a popular tourist destination. How popular is Egypt among local and expatriate travellers residing in Bahrain? I think Egypt is one of the first destinations for Bahraini brothers and sisters. Whether through education, marriage or other ties, our citizens are connected, and so we have
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