Nahed Youssef, head of Egypt's Industrial Development Authority (IDA), chaired the first meeting of the Industrial Licensing Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Industries to discuss reforms aimed at cutting costs and speeding up procedures for investors. The session addressed civil protection approval challenges and regulations for industrial activities outside designated zones. The committee is set to provide ongoing dialogue between government and private sector.
Nahed Youssef, head of the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), chaired the inaugural meeting of the Industrial Licensing Committee, led by engineer Mahmoud Serg, at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, attended by chamber heads and senior officials. Youssef emphasized simplifying procedures and direct investor engagement as key to boosting Egypt's industrial competitiveness.
A major focus was the cost and complexity of civil protection approvals, with ongoing coordination with the Interior Ministry's Civil Protection Department to ease technical requirements under the 2025 Egyptian code. Proposals include unifying and reducing fees, and extending payment cycles from annual to every three to five years.
The meeting reviewed a ministerial decision allowing about 65 industrial activities in urban areas within standalone buildings, alongside stricter rules on land resale and leasing to curb speculation. Youssef noted reallocation of plots in Badr City via the Egypt Industrial Digital Platform.
Mahmoud Serg praised the IDA's responsiveness in creating a cooperative framework. Sayed Abaza, head of the Marble and Granite Division, commended licensing facilitation in Shaq El-Thoaban, where around 115 licenses were issued promptly.