Cairo: Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem affirmed that the government is prioritizing the sugar industry as part of its strategic efforts to support the food security system and stabilize markets. He noted that expanding major industrial projects contributes to increasing local production and reducing the import gap, thereby supporting the national economy and achieving sustainable development.
According to State Information Service Egypt, this statement was made during the minister's inspection tour of the Canal Sugar Company Factory in Mallawi, Minya Governorate. The tour, which took place on Wednesday, was aimed at reviewing production processes and operational rates at the facility. The Canal Sugar Company Factory is considered the largest of its kind globally, with an annual production capacity of 900,000 tons of white sugar.
The official statement released by the governorate highlighted the project's vast scale, covering 181,000 feddans in the desert hinterland. It is recognized as the largest integrated agro-industrial project in the Middle East. The company has successfully reclaimed approximately 14,000 feddans within a single year and cultivated them with sugar beet, achieving a productivity rate of 46 tons per feddan.
During the tour, Minister Hashem emphasized the state's ongoing support for strategic industries and its dedication to creating an attractive investment climate. This is being achieved by upgrading infrastructure and simplifying procedures to encourage productive projects.
Governor Emad Kadwany, who accompanied the minister during the tour, remarked that the Canal Sugar Factory exemplifies the state's strategy to localize major industries. This initiative serves as a key pillar in supporting the food security system and represents an important step toward achieving self-sufficiency in strategic commodities. He further noted that Minya has transformed into one of the most attractive governorates for industrial investment in Upper Egypt, attributed to its advanced infrastructure and strategic location.
Governor Kadwany also highlighted the executive authorities' commitment to providing all necessary facilitation for investors and overcoming obstacles to ensure sustained production and job creation. He praised the factory's utilization of modern technologies and smart monitoring systems, alongside the efficiency of its workforce.
The governor also mentioned Minya's rich history in the sugar industry, dating back more than two centuries, with the long-standing Abu Qurqas Sugar Factory reflecting the governorate's expertise in this vital sector.
During their visit, Minister Hashem and Governor Kadwany, accompanied by Kamel Al-Abdallah, Managing Director and CEO of the company, toured the sugar, feed, and molasses production lines. They received a comprehensive briefing from factory officials on operational systems, production capacity, and the latest technological mechanisms, in addition to the application of sustainability standards and waste recycling practices.