Vienna: Mohamed Nasr, Egypt’s ambassador to Austria and permanent representative to the UN and international organizations in Vienna, presented his credentials to Gerd Mller, the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). During their meeting, the two sides explored ways to enhance cooperation to achieve comprehensive and sustainable industrial development in Egypt, leveraging UNIDO’s extensive experience in this domain.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the cooperation between Egypt and UNIDO has been ongoing since the organization’s establishment in 1966, with the election of its first Director-General, Ibrahim Helmy Abdel Rahman. A significant milestone in this cooperation was the signing of the ‘State Partnership Program’ agreement in April 2021. This agreement supports Egypt in various areas, including industrial policies and governance, encouraging investment, environmentally friendly green industry, smart cities, sustainable industrial zones, value
chains, and the application of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
UNIDO is regarded as a strategic partner for Egypt, promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID). By June 2024, there will be 20 projects at the country level and 2 at the regional level, with a total budget of USD 57 million. This portfolio emphasizes thematic priorities such as creating shared prosperity, advancing economic competitiveness, and safeguarding the environment. Most of the budget (73%) is allocated for climate action and energy, with 14% aimed at advancing economic competitiveness and 13% dedicated to creating shared prosperity through sustainable supply chains and agri-business.
Over the years, UNIDO has supported Egypt in achieving social and economic growth by promoting industrial development for employment generation and environmental sustainability. The organization continues to assist Egypt’s transformation in line with the country’s national policies and development strategies, the United Nations Sust
ainable Development Cooperation Framework for Egypt, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).