KOTA BARU, Aug 24 — The unrest in Egypt, which is expected to take a long time to end, has affected Malaysia’s trade with the country, said Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

Mustapa said Egypt was once Malaysia’s biggest trade partners in North Africa importing palm oil and the national car, Proton.

“But since 2011, the trade ties are on the decline. We are sad at what’s happening in Egypt and are forced to look at other markets.

“We believe the situation will take a long time to recover. Egypt represents a big potential market for us,” he told a media briefing after officiating a haj course here today.

Mustapa said the country has good relations with Egypt and former President Mohamed Morsi has signed many agreements with the country.

He said the Egyptians loved the Protons and the unrest has affected the sales.

“They (Egypt) do not have strong financial resources. Inflation there has gone up sharply. The prices of goods have also increased and its citizens are suffering,” he said. — Bernama