Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem affirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening industrial cooperation with Ireland and benefiting from Irish expertise in manufacturing, technology transfer and knowledge exchange. He said pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, renewable energy, research and development, industrial waste treatment, communications and financial technologies represent some of the most promising areas for cooperation between the two countries.
The remarks came during a meeting between the minister and Irish Ambassador to Egypt Aidan O’Hara, accompanied by a delegation from Enterprise Ireland, to discuss ways of enhancing industrial and investment cooperation between the two nations. The meeting reviewed opportunities for collaboration in a number of priority sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and supplies, renewable energy, research and development, industrial waste treatment and recycling, as well as communications and financial technologies.
Hashem noted that expanding the use of renewable energy in industry is among the ministry’s top priorities, as part of efforts to enhance the competitiveness of domestic industries, reduce production costs and lessen dependence on conventional energy sources. He added that the ministry is currently implementing the "Industry Sun" initiative, which aims to install solar power systems on the rooftops of 7,000 factories across Egypt's governorates, with a total generation capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts.
The initiative is being implemented through a range of financing and operational models and is expected to help reduce energy costs while boosting the competitiveness of Egyptian products in both local and international markets. Hashem also stressed the importance of drawing on Ireland’s experience, particularly that of Enterprise Ireland, in technical education and vocational training.
The move is in line with the ministry’s plans to establish a Center of Excellence for Vocational Training that will offer programs based on the latest international standards, improve the quality of technical education graduates and better prepare them for competition in global labor markets.
He further highlighted Egypt’s aspiration to expand cooperation with Ireland in the application of artificial intelligence and quantum computing in pharmaceutical research and development, reflecting the state’s commitment to advancing this strategic sector. For his part, O’Hara reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Egypt, which it regards as one of its most important partners in the region.
He also encouraged Irish companies to expand their presence and launch new investments in the Egyptian market, taking advantage of the wide range of opportunities available.