Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hala El-Said, visited North Sinai to review the governorate’s development efforts and significant projects during fiscal year (FY) 2022/23. El-Said, accompanied by the Minister of Local Development General Hisham Amena, toured the governorate and inaugurated technology centers in the presence of high-ranking officials from both ministries.
During the visit, El-Said shared the investment plan for both FY2022/23 and FY2023/24, highlighting the National Initiative for Green Smart Projects. She also presented the latest developments in El-Arish and inaugurated the governorate general office there.
El-Said emphasized that the Egyptian state has been focusing on Sinai’s development for the last eight years, based on two main pillars: expanding infrastructure projects to improve citizens’ quality of life and building Egyptian human capital. The latter includes improving the population’s characteristics, expanding investment in health initiatives, and building capacity through education and training.
El-Said highlighted several projects in the governorate, such as the national road project, the New Cities Group, the development of Egyptian ports, social housing projects, and the elimination of slums. She also discussed the state apparatuses’ success in defeating terrorism, enabling comprehensive and sustainable development.
Regarding North Sinai’s public investment in the FY2022/23 plan, El-Said noted that it was about EGP 8bn for agriculture projects and highlighted the establishment of 13 agricultural gatherings in the governorate. She also emphasized the state’s efforts in developing the education system, including the operation of the STEM School of Excellence in Arish and the establishment of an international school.
El-Said referred to productive projects and market development in the governorate, such as the development of the Al-Arish market for wholesale trade and the development of infrastructure in the Pharma area. She also discussed efforts to revive tourism in the region through the camel racing project.
Regarding efforts to rehabilitate and build human capacities to achieve comprehensive development, El-Said explained that Egypt’s Vision 2030 focuses on two main components: women and youth. She referred to several programs that help empower women and provide them with specialized training and programs aimed at children, such as the “Green Minds” initiative and the “Salah & Omenya” initiative.
El-Said emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, including the “Youth for Development” initiative launched by the Ministry of Planning in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Universities, and the national initiative for smart green projects launched during Egypt’s COP27 hosting.
