Today, no one can deny or even reduce the size of the unprecedented achievements that are being made daily in the land of Egypt in all fields, especially industry. There is no doubt that Egypt has achieved unprecedented leaps in the industrial sector, which is evident to all. During the last six years, you can easily monitor the establishment of hundreds of factories in all fields and specialties, with the highest international standards. Today, this sector represents 22% of the size of the Egyptian economy, as the volume of its exports from industry stands at EGP 24.8bn, compared to EGP 18.6bn in previous years. The Egyptian industry sector represents a major and pivotal source in the implementation of the state's plans for sustainable development through its contribution to the gross domestic product [GDP], and the provision of job opportunities. Despite the negative repercussions of the global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Egyptian industry achieved successes during the year 2020. These were represented in maintaining production rates and the establishment of a large number of industries, which contributed to increasing reliance on national products as an alternative to imported products, which were costing the state's budget huge sums of money. Dr Hatem Sadiq, Professor at Helwan University on the Gulf reconciliation The year 2020 represents an exceptional year in terms of the difficult conditions in the global economy that had a great impact on the slowdown in international trade and the closure of a large number of factories in most countries of the world. However, the great efforts of the government resulted in the adoption of many initiatives to support national Industry. This is through bold measures and decisions that have contributed to alleviating the severity of this crisis on the Egyptian industry and even supporting it in maintaining production and export rates to various foreign markets. This is what we saw when Egypt and Germany agreed on a partnership to set up a factory to manufacture "ultra-advanced laser and ultrasonic lathe machines", the first factory of its kind in Egypt and Africa. The new factory provides machines used in basic industries for the business sector in all its fields. This represents an unprecedented quantum leap in the Egyptian industry. This was confirmed by Abdel Moneim El-Terras, head of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), that the establishment of this unique factory in Egypt and Africa supports the efforts of the Egyptian state to localise the industry and allow it to be exported abroad. The factory is scheduled to open and make its products available in the market in 2023, and a monthly follow-up report will be prepared for the implementation steps while adhering to the target dates for implementation and the start of production. The expected factory is fully mechanised and highly programmable for the production of turning and milling equipment, and is located in an area of about 60,000 sqm. The factory offers all capabilities for comprehensive technical solutions, which include flexible automation, complete digital transformation, and advanced flow assembly. This is through using automated guided vehicle transport systems, and production is linked to the annual capacity of more than 1,000 machines. It is in addition to industrial digitisation services for factories, as well as the establishment of an academy to train on that equipment. This is the Egypt that we dreamed of, and that is its vision for the future, and this is how we can be assured of the lives of future generations. Dr Hatem Sadek, Professor at Helwan University
