Egypt has mapped out 28 strategic industries and investment opportunities to expand domestic manufacturing, lower import costs and meet local demand, Industry and Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said on Tuesday. El-Wazir, chairing the 30th meeting of the Ministerial Group for Industrial Development, said President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi had instructed the government to consider temporary incentives to attract investors in the targeted sectors. The minister underscored the strategic importance of the iron and steel industry, describing it as vital for the economy and a key supplier to the automotive, home appliance and construction sectors. He noted demand for rolled steel products, coated sheets and billet, and said authorities are working to close supply gaps, curb monopolistic practices, increase output and expand exports. The industries were selected based on market demand, energy availability, skilled labour, access to raw materials, production technology and Egypt's geographic advantage for distribution, El-Wazir said. He called for all ministries and state bodies to coordinate efforts to attract investment, urging serious investors to launch new projects or expand existing ones to align with the government's unified vision. The ministerial group also approved a proposal by the Electricity Ministry to create a blacklist of factories found guilty of electricity theft, with strict enforcement in coordination with the Interior Ministry, the Cabinet said. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
