Egypt and Lebanon sign 15 protocols of cooperation during the 8th session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee, which kick-starts on March 20, Invest-Gate reports.

The deals seek to support small- and medium-sized enterprises, boost the industrial sector, and protect intellectual properties in both countries.

“Egypt aims to draw in additional foreign investments and create a friendly environment for investors that is obstacle-free,” says Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr in a released statement.

The three-day committee is chaired by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and his Lebanese counterpart Saad El-Harir.

During the committee, the Egyptian and Lebanese sides are also signing agreements to bolster cooperation in the fields of tourism, social affairs, environment preservation and antiquities, according to a statement.

Potential future investments between Egypt and Lebanon in Africa have been put to the table.

Ahead of the committee, Nasr has urged the immediate formation of the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Council that will involve major future roles for businessmen in both countries.