Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al-Wazir has announced a comprehensive package of deadlines and facilitation measures to support stalled industrial projects that have exceeded their implementation timelines. The decision, which will remain in effect until 30 April 2026, authorises the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to implement a set of incentives and grace periods aimed at helping investors resume and complete their projects, while ensuring optimal use of allocated industrial land. According to the new measures, projects that have obtained a building permit and completed more than 50% of the permitted construction will receive a six-month grace period and a full exemption from late penalties. This period is intended to allow investors to finalise construction, install machinery and equipment, and obtain both operating licences and industrial registration. Projects that have obtained a building permit but have not yet begun construction, or have completed up to 50% of the permitted works, will be granted a 12-month grace period. They will be exempted from penalties for the first six months, after which standard penalties and costs will apply for any remaining delay. For projects that have not yet obtained a building permit but still hold possession of the allocated land, a maximum grace period of 18 months will be granted to obtain the necessary building permit, operating licence, and industrial registration. These projects will also be exempted from late penalties for the first six months, with penalties and standard costs applied thereafter. The decision also allows for reconsideration of projects whose deadlines have expired and for which land withdrawal decisions have been issued but not yet executed, as well as cases where the withdrawal was carried out but the land remains vacant and has not been reallocated. In such instances, the same investor may repurchase the land at the current price set by Prime Ministerial Decree No. 50/2025, provided all due penalties are paid to benefit from previously completed designs and studies. If the investor does not request to resume the project, the land will be permanently withdrawn. Al-Wazir explained that these facilitation measures are designed to support industrial investment, remove obstacles facing serious investors, and enhance the optimal utilisation of industrial lands, which he described as one of the main pillars of Egypt's industrial development strategy. He added that standard costs and penalty calculations will be determined in accordance with the existing rules and regulations set by the Industrial Development Authority. To benefit from the prescribed facilitation measures, investors are required to submit a formal request to the Authority, accompanied by an updated property, technical, financial, and legal report issued by the landholding authority no more than 40 days prior to submission. The Authority must promptly review the request, with the grace period starting from the date of approval. In the event that an investor fails to demonstrate seriousness within the specified period, the land will be withdrawn and the necessary legal procedures will be undertaken. The decision also prohibits the transfer or leasing of industrial land within industrial zones unless the investor has proven seriousness, completed at least three years of operation, and paid the full value of the land. Furthermore, any change in activity or request for new environmental approvals will only be permitted after the investor has demonstrated full operational commitment. Al-Wazir reaffirmed the state's commitment to helping serious investors complete their projects and revive stalled ones, while protecting public assets and ensuring the optimal use of industrial lands. The Industrial Development Authority urged all eligible investors to submit their applications before the end of April 2026 to benefit from the new facilitation package.
