Exports, taxation at center of suggestions in National Dialogue's session on manufacturing sector

CAIRO – 6 September 2023: Participants in the National Dialogue's manufacturing session stipulated Tuesday the necessity of boosting the volume of exports, making commercial attaches more effective, and setting a national strategy to develop the sector.

Member of the Coordination Committee of Political Parties' Youth and Young Politicians Rime al-Qady suggested establishing industrial zones dedicated to the textile sector and related feeding industries.

In a similar context, the manager of a ready-made garment company, Ahmed Farouk, demanded the government to promote products having the label "Made in Egypt" in GCC countries so they would enjoy the same popularity they already have in Europe.

Quality Enhancement Consultant Mohamed Hegazy demanded monitoring the quality of products, supporting manufacturers and exporters, as well as activating the role of commercial attaches so they would help Egyptian producers enter foreign markets and participate in international fairs.

Board Member of the Federation of Egyptian Industries Kamal al-Desoukie urged the unification of taxes, which would make manufacturers avoid dealing with bureaucracy. He added that such problem as well as the exchange rate are the main problems facing the manufacturers in the meantime.

Mohamed al-Bahey, also board member of the Federation of Egyptian Industries, shared the same viewpoint on the taxation system, as well as a similar one on that of customs. He equally suggested allocating a part of the state's foreign currency revenues to funding factories, including stumbling ones, such as those in the pharmaceuticals sector.

Representative of the Egyptian Democratic Party Mohamed Khalil recommended easing tariffs and taxes, achieving self-sufficiency of essential industries, expanding participatory finance, and promoting Egyptian notable products abroad.