By Muhammad Darwish
(Photo Hand out from Al-Borsa)
Egyptian re-investment into Africa is set to become one of the country’s highest economic priorities, according to Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Development Ibrahim Malhab.
Malhab said he would work hard to support and encourage the opening up of African markets to Egyptian contracting companies, whether public or private, in particular the Arab Contractors company. He added that he would seek to increase the role of the Housing and Building National Research Center in Egypt’s dealings with African countries, helping Egyptian consulting firms to secure new projects.
Malhab added that it was on his immediate agenda to begin contacting representatives from African countries, building on his past relations with officials during his time as chairman of the Arab Contractors company. This, he said, would help open up African markets to Egyptian contracting companies, while activating joint cooperation protocols with a number of countries operating in the building and construction sector. Helping to activate this sector, he said, which includes more than 90 separate production and craft industries, will help to create thousands of new work opportunities within Egyptian contracting companies and consulting agencies.
Malhab said that Egypt would “once again assume its rightful place within the Arab world and on the African continent,” taking advantage of its institutional and construction capabilities to play a powerful role in the region in helping to spur the advancement of research and culture.
Translated from Al-Borsa
