Cairo: Minister of Industry Khaled Hashim met with Eric Auchlan, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Cairo Office, to discuss ongoing and future ILO projects in Egypt. The meeting focused on initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, employment, and decent work conditions within the country.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions centered around the 'Enhancing an Enabling Environment for Productivity for Decent Work in Egypt 2024-2027' project. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, targets the leather tanning and marble industries in Shaq El-Thaaban and Al-Robeky Leather City, aiming to boost productivity and improve working conditions in these sectors.

The meeting also explored cooperation on Egypt's national employment strategy, emphasizing skills development, labor market needs, and expanding industrial employment opportunities. Minister Hashim highlighted the importance of human capital development, a core element of Egypt's Industry Strategy 2030, and discussed efforts to enhance vocational training, protect workers' rights, and empower women and youth.

Additionally, Hashim reviewed the government's Productive Villages project, which seeks to establish small and medium-sized factories in rural areas. This initiative aims to create local employment opportunities and curb migration to larger urban centers.

Eric Auchlan expressed the ILO's dedication to supporting Egypt through technical assistance and initiatives designed to promote sustainable employment, improve working conditions, and enhance the global competitiveness of Egyptian products.