Cairo:Egypt is intensifying its efforts to establish itself as a regional manufacturing hub, according to Badr Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates. Abdelatty, who also serves as Egypt’s governor at the World Bank Group, made these remarks during the fifth global Manufacturing Conference in Cairo.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the conference, organized by the World Bank Group, is taking place from October 26 to 28 under the theme “Manufacturing for Jobs, Value Addition and Prosperity.” It features participation from officials and representatives of international institutions and the private sector.
Abdelatty emphasized the importance of developing industrial capabilities as a key component of Egypt’s structural economic reform efforts. These efforts aim to expand the production base, attract investment, and integrate the Egyptian economy into regional and global value chains. He also discussed national strategies to boost economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and support industrial development in Africa.
Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s ambition to increase non-oil exports to $100 billion by 2030 by localizing industries, components, and production inputs, thereby increasing domestic value added. He also underscored efforts to direct investment toward priority industries, particularly green and sustainable sectors, while facilitating access to industrial land and facilities. The private sector's role in localizing technology and creating sustainable jobs was also stressed.
The Foreign Minister pointed to Egypt’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, large domestic market, and skilled workforce as attractive factors for industrial investment. He concluded by highlighting the significance of cooperation with international financial institutions and development partners to support technology transfer, skills development, and access to financing, all of which are vital to enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian exports amid climate-related trade challenges.