Deputy Prime Minister visit to e2 October

Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, H.E. Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, inspects the industrial park of Industrial Development Group, affiliated with Samcrete Group, in the Industrial Developers Zone in 6th of October City — marking the first field visit to industrial zones developed by private-sector industrial developers.

As part of the presidential directives to give greater attention to industrial zones and facilities, H.E. Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, accompanied by H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, conducted an inspection tour this morning of e2 October Industrial Park, owned by Industrial Development Group (IDG), a Samcrete Group company, located in the Industrial Developers Zone in 6th of October City.

The visit aimed to follow up on the progress of production activities. During the tour, the Minister listened to a presentation on the group’s experience and operations since its establishment in 2008, starting with its industrial cluster in 6th of October, followed by New Alamein, East Port Said, and most recently New 6th of October, with a total area of 25 million square meters.

H.E. emphasized the importance of the private-sector industrial developer’s role in achieving comprehensive and sustainable industrial development in Egypt, in cooperation with state authorities.

Engineer Karim Sami Saad, Chairman of the Group, reviewed the company’s future expansion plans and its role in contributing to the Egyptian state’s targets to deepen local manufacturing and increase value-added exports. This is achieved through providing an integrated package of business development services for industrial investors, which helps attract foreign direct investment, especially given the industrial zone’s strategic location.

In this regard, H.E. directed that the zone be connected to the public transportation network, as well as to the Bus Rapid Transit system operating on the Ring Road, in order to serve the area.

For her part, H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, affirmed the Ministry’s supportive role toward Egyptian industry, particularly after shifting the dialogue around the environment to position it as a catalyst for investment and a supporter of industry. She noted that the Ministry is keen to provide financing opportunities for industrial projects aimed at improving the efficient use of natural resources, reducing operating costs, and achieving both environmental and economic returns.

This has already been implemented through the Industrial Pollution Control Program in its three phases, which provides concessional loans at an interest rate of 2.5% to help industrial projects achieve environmental compliance.

She added that the Ministry of Environment supports industrial projects in enhancing the access of Egyptian industries and their products to global markets by creating a competitive advantage at a time when the world is increasingly moving toward preserving natural resources and reducing the carbon footprint of industry. This is in addition to helping industry reduce pollution rates, contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change, and fulfill international commitments.