Eng. Khaled Hashem, the Egyptian Minister of Industry, affirmed that enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian industry requires working on several integrated axes, including encouraging new investments, expanding the applications of modern technology, deepening local manufacturing, and developing the production system, in a way that supports the sustainability of the industry and enhances its ability to compete in local and international markets.
The Minister of Industry said, during his speech at the 19th Arab Steel Summit in Cairo, that the ministry is working on providing facility-related incentives to encourage new industrial investments and support existing expansions, in addition to expanding the applications of modern technology and deepening local manufacturing, which contributes to enhancing production capabilities and achieving greater added value within the Egyptian economy.
He explained that developing the industry requires adopting supportive policies for the transition towards clean energy sources, in parallel with developing the measurement and industrial footprint system, which helps improve the environmental performance of production and keep pace with the new requirements of global markets, especially in light of the increasing focus on sustainability and reducing industrial emissions.
Hashem pointed out that digital transformation represents one of the important paths for developing the industry, through employing artificial intelligence applications and industrial automation, due to the opportunities they provide for improving the efficiency of production processes, reducing waste, and raising performance levels within industrial facilities.
He stressed that investing in the development and qualification of human cadres has become one of the basic requirements to keep pace with rapid technological and competitive transformations, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the link between scientific research and industry needs, which supports innovation and helps in localizing modern technology and developing industrial capabilities.
Arab industrial integration is the basis for expanding the production base
Regarding the prospects for Arab cooperation, the Minister of Industry affirmed that the resources, capabilities, and competitive advantages possessed by Arab countries provide broad opportunities to enhance cooperation and industrial integration, and expand Arab partnerships to achieve real added value, and support technology transfer and enhance production efficiency.
He explained that the next phase requires moving to a more integrated model of industrial cooperation, based on building on the competitive advantages of each country, and employing its available capabilities to expand the base of Arab industry, instead of competing to produce the same goods and products in the same sectors.
He added that benefiting from the different competitive advantages of Arab countries allows for building a more diverse and interconnected industrial system, encompassing multiple sectors and industries, and supporting integration between production stages, which enhances the ability to compete in regional and global markets.
He pointed out that this trend reflects the importance of Arab cooperation and the convergence of efforts to support the development of Arab industry, and enhance opportunities for industrial and economic integration, which contributes to increasing added value, developing exports, and creating new job opportunities.
New partnerships to support the future of Arab industry
Hashem affirmed that expanding partnerships between Arab countries represents an opportunity to maximize the utilization of available resources and capabilities, exchange expertise and technology, and enhance production efficiency, which supports the presence of Arab industry in global markets and strengthens its ability to face competitive changes.
He expressed his aspiration that the proceedings of the 19th Arab Steel Summit will contribute to crystallizing practical ideas and initiatives, and launching new partnerships that support the future of industry in Egypt and the Arab region, and translate cooperation opportunities into projects that achieve common economic and industrial benefits.
The Minister of Industry concluded his speech by thanking the participants and Arab brothers, expressing his hope that the summit will represent a practical opportunity to enhance cooperation and expand the fields of industrial integration between Arab countries.
