A Microsoft Egypt official said the company is implementing a project for the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade to electronically link wholesale and retail outlets affiliated to the ministry. The project is expected to cost approximately EGP 150m, according to the official. The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade signed a two-year cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at a cost of EGP 20m. The protocol includes developing an integrated strategy to mechanise and develop all departments in the Ministry of Supply by establishing an electronic network to assist the provision of services to citizens. This network is expected to facilitate meeting citizens' demands, and to monitor the performance of authorities affiliated with the ministry that also offer services to citizens. The Social Fund for Development (SFD) has already received 41,000 requests to participate in the project. Minister of Supply Khaled Hanafy said, during the Capital Markets & Financing Growth conference, that the ministry launched a project, which will be the largest consumer complexes franchise project, under the name of "Gameyti" in collaboration with SFD. The project includes supporting young people by granting loans, ranging between EGP 50,000 and EGP 100,000, so they can open commercial outlets under the name of "Gameyti". Hanafy revealed that an alliance between major private commercial chains and consumer complexes affiliated to the ministry will be announced soon. Companies in the alliance will offer discounted products to citizens in the next period.
