The Minister of Communications and Information Technology (CIT) Amr Talaat, said in a statement that the ministry is preparing to announce launching new technological zones in Egypt soon, which may include data and communication centres, however, no further details about the new zones were disclosed. The minister’s statement came on the side-lines of the Euromoney Conferences – Egypt, held in Cairo on 4 and 5 September.
Talaat added that Egypt’s digital exports are planned to be further increased. They are currently estimated to be $3bn. “In order to support this desired increase, it is important to build efficient cadres and improve the skills of the labour force,” Talaat noted.
During the events of the first day of the Euromoney Conference, Talaat stressed that Egypt is swiftly moving towards digital transformation and has a plan for it that fits well into the government’s plan for development. For example, there is currently a digital transformation structure project to integrate 60 government databases together, according to the minister. He added that there is also a project to turn Port Said into a digital city.
The minister of communications also said that his ministry is aiming to increase its contribution to the overall gross domestic product (GDP) to 10%.
On a local level, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is aiming to create more jobs. The minister noted that the more automation there is, the more likely it is to see more jobs of higher value created.
On an international level, Talaat talked about the necessity of attracting new investments and enhancing bilateral and collateral relations, allowing Egypt to make a comeback in the region. “We are looking forward to partnering with India, as well as many Arab neighbouring countries, and we do have the capacity to accomplish this goal. It remains necessary, however, to ensure that our resources and up to date and sufficient to achieve this goal,” the minister said.
