Egypt, US to hold trade talks in July: Customs officials from Egypt and the US will sit down in July to discuss “procedural and administrative matters” for the Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFA), Customs Authority head Kamal Negm said during the most recent round of discussions on the agreement, according to Al Shorouk. Relaxing trade barriers is key to reaching a free trade agreement with the US. Intellectual property rights, merchandise standards, food safety, and SME support were among the chief issues discussed during the round held in Washington last week.