Egypt plans economic data hub to boost industry, local content in exports

Egypt’s Ministry of Industry plans to establish a comprehensive economic information database to support strategic decision-making, strengthen industrial development, and increase local content in exports.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Federation of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises, Industry Minister Khaled Hashem said small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role as a link between large companies and micro-enterprises, and as a cornerstone of the productive economy.

“A productive economy cannot operate in isolation across sectors; it requires integration and coordination across all components to achieve sustainable industrial growth,” Hashem said. He added that SMEs form the broadest base of national industry and are key drivers of growth and employment.

Hashem stressed the importance of accurate market, production and industrial data, saying the ministry would significantly improve how economic information is collected, analysed and shared with investors and policymakers.

“Linking economic data within a comprehensive knowledge database will allow the private sector to plan investments and expand production, while providing decision-makers with critical insights,” he said.

He added that the ministry will prioritise rural and village-based production to improve household incomes, create jobs, and reduce migration to major cities.

Egypt’s export strategy will focus not only on increasing volumes but also on raising the share of locally produced components in exported goods, supporting deeper domestic manufacturing, and enhancing competitiveness in regional and global markets. Strengthening supplier industries and increasing the added value of Egyptian products are central pillars of the strategy, Hashem said.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English