Al-Wazir explained that the meeting aims to develop a comprehensive roadmap for deepening and advancing the iron industry in Egypt, as it is one of the cornerstones of national industry and a feeder industry that serves as a launching pad for many other industries, such as construction, automotive, home appliances, engineering, and others. He emphasized that strengthening this sector is a strategic necessity to support production chains, increase added value, and enable manufacturers to expand production and access foreign markets. He pointed out that Egypt possesses competitive advantages that qualify it to lead the iron industry regionally, including the availability of raw materials, the technology and technical knowledge, the presence of a trained labor force with appropriate wages, and a large local market capable of absorbing production. This requires transforming these advantages into effective export opportunities by expanding into foreign markets and working to establish Egypt as a regional center for iron trade and related manufacturing, leveraging its geographical location, advanced infrastructure, and international trade agreements.
He stressed that the meeting represents a first step toward establishing unified industrial principles and policies to deepen local manufacturing. These principles are being prepared in coordination between the Ministry, the Federation of Egyptian Industries, and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce. All manufacturers will adhere to these principles as a common reference that supports the stability of industrial policies and achieves integration between the state and the private sector. He directed the formation of a joint technical committee comprising representatives from the Industrial Development Authority, the Federation of Egyptian Industries, and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce. This committee will study various relevant technical and operational aspects and come up with clear recommendations that will contribute to formulating the required policies and achieving the desired industrial objectives according to an integrated vision that supports growth and competitiveness.
During the meeting, Al-Wazir announced that the government is in the process of issuing several billet production licenses with special technical specifications to meet the industry's needs for weldable, earthquake-resistant iron suitable for use in salt water and marine environments, as well as for all advanced technical and engineering applications. He added that the Ministry will work over the coming period according to a plan to meet the local market's needs for billet raw materials by redistributing the available surplus from producing factories to rolling mills, each according to its production capacity. This will be an interim solution until the new billet factories are operational, with the goal of achieving complete market stability and meeting local demand.
Al-Wazir reiterated the Ministry's commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for industrial investment, raising the efficiency of the production system, and removing obstacles facing manufacturers. This will contribute to achieving sustainable economic development and propel national industry to broader horizons of progress, in implementation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives to transform Egypt into a regional industrial hub.
Iron manufacturers reviewed the most prominent challenges and demands facing the sector, praising the clear directions and policies announced by Al-Wazir to support national industry. They stressed that what was presented during the meeting reflects a serious vision for creating a stable and promising industrial environment. They also expressed their full readiness to cooperate and work in accordance with the principles and policies that will be approved, contributing to achieving common goals and strengthening the iron industry's position as a pillar of the national economy.