Engineer Sherif El Sherbiny, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, emphasized the vast scope of urban development projects initiated since President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi assumed office. These projects, varying in scale and type, have significantly enhanced the skills and capacities of Egyptian contractors. Today, these contractors possess the expertise, equipment, and manpower needed to participate in large-scale projects, including those for neighboring countries in Africa and the Arab region.
The minister’s remarks came during his participation in the first session of the 9th Builders of Egypt Forum, titled “Egypt and Neighboring Countries: Cooperation for Development.” The session was attended by Minister of Local Development Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Public Economy Engineer Mohamed El Shimi, and Hassan Abdel Aziz, President of the African Union of Construction Contractors. The session was moderated by media figure Dina Abdel Fattah, Secretary-General of the Egypt Builders Forum.
Showcasing Egyptian Capabilities at the World Urban Forum
Minister El Sherbiny highlighted the Ministry of Housing’s goals to maximize the benefits of Egypt’s upcoming hosting of the World Urban Forum. He pointed out that this international event provides an opportunity to showcase the expertise of Egyptian contractors, particularly in the context of the African Housing Ministers’ meeting. The forum will open new avenues for Egyptian companies in Arab and African markets, promoting investment opportunities, especially in new urban centers and Fourth Generation Cities.
“Decent Life” Initiative as a Learning Ground for Contractors
The minister also noted that the “Decent Life” initiative for the development of rural Egypt, one of the country’s most significant national projects, has provided Egyptian contractors and consulting firms with substantial experience. Working on improving and upgrading infrastructure within existing communities has posed unique challenges, requiring a balance between development work and minimizing disruption to daily life. This experience positions Egyptian companies to tackle similar projects in African countries, where comparable conditions exist.
