Egypt has completed around 25% of four local economic development projects in Fayoum, Beni Suef, Luxor and Aswan. The projects are funded by the European Union and implemented with the United Nations Development Programme.
The projects include an urban market in Luxor’s El-Bayadiya district, a medicinal and aromatic plants services centre in Beni Suef, an integrated dates and agricultural products services centre in Aswan, and an olive industry services and industrial complex in Fayoum.
Minister of Local Development Manal Awad said the projects aim to increase the value added of local products, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local economic competitiveness. A governance framework with local committees has been set up to oversee implementation.
Recent field visits by a technical assistance delegation to Beni Suef and Fayoum monitored progress. The initiatives also seek to reduce post-harvest losses and boost exports through better processing and marketing.