Rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence and digital services are opening new opportunities for young people to launch businesses and develop their skills, Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid Saleh said on Monday, October 19, 2026, stressing the importance of continuous learning and gaining the experience needed to benefit from emerging job market opportunities.
Farid made the remarks during an open meeting with 150 students from universities across Egypt, attended by Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom. The meeting discussed the future of the labor market and entrepreneurship, opportunities available to young people, and ways to prepare for technological and economic changes.
Farid said people’s career paths are shaped by various factors and circumstances, but continuous learning, acquiring knowledge and skills, and applying them in practice are essential to preparing for opportunities and turning them into practical experience. He stressed that young people should strive to make a meaningful difference in any job they undertake, regardless of its nature or the level of responsibility involved.
Excellence, he said, begins with taking assigned tasks seriously, improving work methods and delivering better results. Learning, he added, does not end with earning a university degree or reaching a particular position. Gaining experience helps individuals identify the skills they need to develop and supports their professional growth.
On launching businesses with limited capital, Farid said the first step is to understand market needs and identify problems that can be addressed with practical solutions, while using modern technology to develop ideas and turn them into viable ventures. Investment opportunities span productive, service and technology sectors, he said, adding that business success depends on meeting genuine market needs, offering competitive products or services, and adapting business models to customer requirements.
Farid also highlighted the importance of tapping foreign markets to support the growth of Egyptian businesses, particularly as advances in digital marketing and e-commerce enable young entrepreneurs to reach new markets and expand their operations. He urged students to continue learning, develop their capabilities and prepare for available opportunities, stressing that gaining experience is an ongoing process that requires perseverance and a commitment to achieving tangible results across different responsibilities.
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