Qena: Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat laid the foundation stone for the country's first silk production facility in Qena Governorate, emphasizing its role in empowering women and creating sustainable jobs in Upper Egypt.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Mashat stated that the project supports rural development, social inclusion, and aligns with Egypt's 2030 sustainable agriculture strategy. The facility, launched under the UN-backed "El Nidaa" initiative, aims to revive the traditional silk industry and improve livelihoods through women-led, labor-intensive production.

The new silk factory is set to include mulberry farms for silkworm cultivation and will have space dedicated to producing silk textiles and carpets. The project receives support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Spanish Cooperation Agency, and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation.

The Minister highlighted that the initiative has transformed thousands of lives since 2012 by fostering microenterprises and improving basic services across five governorates, including Qena. This effort underscores the government's commitment to enhancing living conditions and providing economic opportunities for rural communities.

In a separate announcement, Mashat revealed that Qena will receive EGP 4.8 billion in public investments in the fiscal year 2025/26. She noted a significant improvement in development indicators from 2018 to 2024, with advancements in road networks, sanitation access, literacy rates, and employment opportunities.

She attributed this progress to major national programs like the presidential 'Decent Life' initiative and the Local Development Program for Upper Egypt, which have focused on enhancing industrial zones, infrastructure, and rural services.

The UNDP Egypt and Spanish partners have praised the silk project as a model for heritage-based development and women's economic empowerment, marking a promising step towards sustainable growth in the region.