Sudan is a key market in the Export Council for Food Industries' strategy, with Egypt participating and sponsoring the first exhibition of Egyptian products in South Sudan. The exhibition, which saw over 44 Egyptian companies participating, aims to strengthen trade, industrial, and investment cooperation between Egypt and South Sudan. The Egyptian government is taking serious steps to promote trade and investment with South Sudan, including the establishment of a permanent exhibition for Egyptian products and the opening of the first branch of the National Bank of Egypt in September.