Cairo: Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel el-Wazir chaired the 27th meeting of the Ministerial Group for Industrial Development. The meeting focused on the continued commitment to reviewing applications for establishing industrial projects under the special free zone system or for issuing the "Golden License".
According to State Information Service Egypt, the deputy prime minister highlighted the involvement of all ministers and relevant authorities in the group responsible for reviewing and approving these applications. He underscored the importance of activating the single-window system within the Industrial Development Authority, which is the sole entity authorized to issue industrial licenses. This move aims to eliminate overlaps among various agencies with jurisdiction over industrial land or project approvals.
During the meeting, three applications from industrial companies were reviewed for projects under the special free zone system. These included a PVC panel and flooring manufacturing project in New Alamein City with an investment of $108 million, a ready-made garments manufacturing project in New Beni Suef City with a $30 million investment, and a textile manufacturing project in 10th of Ramadan City with a $78.5 million investment. Collectively, these projects are expected to create over 15,000 jobs.
The committee approved all three projects, as they met the criteria for special free zones. Wazir noted that the first project introduces a new industry in Egypt, strategically located in the promising area of New Alamein City. The garments and textile projects align with the government's focus on labor-intensive, low-energy-consuming industries, leveraging Egypt's competitive advantages and skilled workforce.
Wazir further stated the government's aim to boost investment and industrial projects in Beni Suef, Minya, and Fayoum, leveraging the skilled labor available in these governorates. The Ministry of Industry has initiated the development of two integrated textile cities in Minya and Fayoum, aiming to absorb the dense workforce and fulfill local and export market demands.
Additionally, discussions included the introduction of new incentives, such as expanding EV charging station availability across various governorates to support electric vehicle adoption for citizens and investors.