Eng. Khaled Hashem, the Egyptian Minister of Industry, affirmed that enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian and Arab industry requires expanding industrial investments, adopting modern technology, and deepening local manufacturing, in a way that supports production sustainability and raises the efficiency of industrial operations.
During his speech at the 19th Arab Steel Summit in Cairo, Hashem stated that the Ministry of Industry is working on providing incentives to encourage new investments and expand the use of modern technology, in addition to supporting the deepening of local manufacturing, which contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian industry.
He pointed out that industrial development requires adopting policies that support the transition towards clean energy sources, developing the industrial footprint measurement system, as well as leveraging artificial intelligence applications and industrial automation, as tools for improving the efficiency of production processes and reducing waste.
He added that investing in the development and qualification of human cadres is one of the fundamental requirements for keeping pace with rapid technological and competitive transformations, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the link between scientific research and industry needs to support innovation and localize modern technology.
Arab Integration and Building Integrated Industrial Chains
Regarding Arab cooperation, the Minister of Industry stressed that the next phase requires strengthening industrial and economic integration among Arab countries, and expanding partnerships to achieve real added value, contributing to technology transfer, improving production efficiency, and increasing the competitiveness of Arab industry in global markets.
He emphasized the importance of building industrial integration based on each country's competitive advantages, rather than competing in the same industrial sectors, which allows for expanding the base of Arab industries, strengthening interconnections between different sectors, and achieving optimal utilization of available resources and capabilities in each country.
He explained that Arab cooperation and joint efforts are essential to support the development of Arab industry, increase added value, grow exports, and create new job opportunities, expressing his aspiration that the summit's work will crystallize practical initiatives and partnerships that support the future of industry in Egypt and the Arab region.
The Minister of Industry concluded his speech by thanking the participants from Arab countries, expressing his hope that the summit will represent a practical opportunity to enhance cooperation and expand the horizons of industrial partnership among Arab countries.
