Today, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly chaired the meeting of the High Committee for the Local Development Program in Upper Egypt’s governorates, emphasizing the state’s commitment to following up on the program’s implementation in collaboration with international partners, particularly the World Bank. This initiative plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development objectives through projects aimed at improving infrastructure and fostering a conducive business environment to attract investments, which directly enhances public services.
During the meeting, Dr. Madbouly stressed that the program aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to support the industrial sector, enhancing the competitiveness of Upper Egypt’s economic sectors. This includes supporting industrial zones and creating a solid foundation for comprehensive development across the region.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Rania Al-Mashat discussed the ministry’s efforts in coordinating with international partners to support projects executed by various government agencies aimed at developing Upper Egypt. She highlighted that the Local Development Program is recognized as a “success story” by the UN, with the World Bank describing it as a leading model in Egypt’s drive to meet the Sustainable Development Goals aligned with Egypt Vision 2030.
Dr. Al-Mashat also shared that the program has benefited approximately 8.2 million citizens in Sohag and Qena, with 49% of these being women. The program has implemented 5,130 projects, creating nearly 369,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, which have helped reduce unemployment rates in both governorates.
Minister of Local Development Dr. Manal Owais outlined the ministry’s role in ensuring the effective execution of the program in Upper Egypt, noting that the initiative is central to the government’s efforts to promote balanced local development through quality infrastructure and fostering local economic growth.
Hisham El-Helbawi, Assistant Minister of Local Development and Director of the Local Development Program in Upper Egypt, shared progress on the performance indicators of the program, emphasizing the World Bank’s praise for Egypt’s efforts to improve the investment climate and local economic development. The program has impacted 8.2 million citizens and over 6,000 businesses, creating 396,000 job opportunities and improving infrastructure and the business environment.
El-Helbawi also discussed the development of industrial zones in Sohag and Qena, highlighting the increase in industrial zone occupancy rates and linking these zones to local economic clusters, leading to the creation of 120,000 jobs. He further touched on the program’s impact on improving service delivery through the expansion of technological centers and the digital transformation of government services, making it easier for citizens and businesses to access services efficiently.
The meeting underscored the significant progress made in Upper Egypt and the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable local development across the region.
