Cairo: Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem emphasized the longstanding nature of Egypt's furniture industry, highlighting its rich history and internationally recognized reputation. He pointed out that the sector holds promising competitive advantages and capabilities that position it for unprecedented growth rates. However, Hashem noted that the industry has not yet reached its full potential relative to its capabilities.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister stressed the importance of creating a distinctive identity for Egyptian furniture and fostering stronger connections between designers and manufacturers. Design, he explained, adds significant value to the furniture industry. Hashem also emphasized developing skilled artisans to ensure consistent quality and competitiveness of Egyptian products, both domestically and internationally.
The minister's comments were made during an expanded meeting held on Saturday with furniture manufacturers, designers, and producers of production inputs. The meeting was attended by Assistant Minister for Industrial Policies Maha Saleh, Federation of Egyptian Industries Deputy Chairman Mahmoud Serag, and Executive Director Khaled Abdel Azim. The goal was to gather insights from industry stakeholders, identify sector challenges, and explore ways to develop and enhance the industry's competitiveness on both domestic and international fronts.
Hashem outlined the ministry's commitment to a partnership-based approach, working directly with experts and stakeholders to address real-world challenges and translate them into actionable plans. He emphasized the ministry's vision to align with global advancements and facilitate qualitative leaps in Egyptian export volumes. Recent field visits to furniture factories and manufacturing centers were highlighted as efforts to assess production performance and identify ways to leverage the sector's competitive advantages.
Key areas for industry development were discussed, including local manufacturing deepening, import replacement in major projects, and activating digital marketing platforms to support foreign market access. The conversation also covered opening new export markets for Egyptian furniture, particularly in Africa, Libya, and Iraq, as well as overcoming customs and logistical barriers for exporters.
The meeting also explored the potential for a comprehensive program to support small and medium-sized workshops through specialized training courses and governance mechanisms. Participants reviewed a feasibility study for establishing integrated industrial zones dedicated to furniture manufacturing, which would consolidate production inputs and complementary industries in one location, thus reducing logistical costs and facilitating manufacturing operations.
The Industry Minister reiterated that upgrading national products for global competitiveness requires collaborative efforts from state institutions and private-sector partners. He emphasized the integration of all industry components, from design and manufacturing to marketing and exports.
Furniture manufacturers and designers welcomed the government's initiative to prioritize local products and praised the Ministry of Industry's direct engagement with the sector, affirming that these steps would positively impact the national furniture industry's growth and competitiveness.