Sisi's recommendations in the 3rd round of the National Youth Conference

CAIRO – 28 April 2017: The president participated in the "Simulation of the Egyptian Economy" session during the third day of the National Youth Conference which was held during the period April 25-27 in Ismailia. During the session some youth created a simulation model for the Egyptian economy. They also prepared a documentary film including a presentation of the Egyptian economy’s development stages since 1952 until now.

Youth through the simulation model also pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the Egyptian economy and its crises development especially in relation to the decrease in cash reserve and foreign direct investments, after the year 2011. In addition, they discussed the economic reform program currently being implemented to address the structural imbalances in the economy to achieve the targeted rapid economic growth. At the end the Egyptian youth presented their proposals and visions to enhance economic development at all levels.

The recommendations of the third round of the conference was the establishment of the National Organization for Data Management which is going to be affiliated to the president, and the transformation of the Supreme Investment Council to the Supreme Council for Investment and Export.

In addition to developing legal and legislative frameworks related to trade and investment, activating the Supreme Council of Payments to reduce the informal economy, increase public awareness, incentives and support for small families to reduce population growth. Recommendations also included mechanization of sovereign systems such as customs, taxes and others.

The president invited the youth who participated in the simulation model to form an incentive group to work with the government through following-up the proposals and studies that was presented during the conference. He pointed out that the executive work serves as a bridge between idea and implementation. The president stressed on the importance of following up on the execution of ideas and proposals in a realistic and in a practical way.

It is worth mentioning that under the theme “Innovate.Advance,” the first round of the conference was held in Sharm El-Sheikh in October 2016. October conference tackled several issues, including the status of Egyptian economy, the Egyptian identity and the influence of media and social media on it, circumcision, fast food and corruption.

The main outcome of the October conference was the establishment of the Detained Youth Committee, which prepared a list of 82 detainees who were later released by a presidential pardon, one month after the conference.

The second round of the conference was held in Aswan in January 2017. A two-day conference, it focused on the challenges facing governorates of Upper Egypt. At the closing session of the second round , Sisi issued nine presidential decrees:

Decree 1: The establishment of an authority to develop Upper Egypt and create job opportunities with investments of up to EGP5 billion, over five years

Decree 2: A recommendation to complete the development project in Nasr Al-Nuba village, north of Aswan with a budget of EGP320 million. The project should be completed by the end of June 2018.

Decree 3: The establishment of industrial areas for small-sized enterprises and small factories in all Upper Egypt governorates

Decree 4: A recommendation to focus on social protection by developing the Takaful and Karama program organized by the Ministry of Social Solidarity

Decree 5: Instructions to work on improving the quality of life in Upper Egypt through education, health, transportation and housing

Decree 6: Recommendations for the rapid completion of the Golden Triangle project in Qena, Safaga and Qusseir, seeking to establish regions for mineral industries and international touristic regions to attract tourists.

Decree 7: The transformation of Aswan into a capital for African economy and culture
Decree 8: The Termination of the 12,000-acre governmental project in Khour Qendi
following protests from Nubian residents

Decree 9: A recommendation to review additional compensation for people displaced following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.