Small, medium industry complexes as tools of economic growth

Industrial complexes constitute one of the mechanisms of the state’s strategy for promoting the growth of the industrial sector as part of the overall goals of the national plan for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development. The main idea underlying the establishment of such complexes is to group small and medium scale production units, workshops and likewise facilities in one site where the necessary infrastructure, services and connectivity to public utilities are provided. Furthermore, operating in proximity helps units at each complex to get acquainted with the products, production trends and capacities of each other. These advantages and associated potentials are conducive to enabling industrial complexes and industrial complexes are set to bolster the national industrial capacity, particularly at the level of small and medium industries.

According to the Industrial Development Authority, complex units are of various spaces to suit the diversity of industrial activities and they are licensable and deliverable ready to use. In addition, each complex has a green area and a parking place for cars and trucks, is equipped with industrial safety systems and includes a food court and a clinic. Over and above, incentives can be granted to investors should their units start going operational within a period of one year as of the date of receiving the unit. The design, technical features and administrative facilities of such complexes aim to encourage small private businesses and junior investors to optimise their contribution to expanding the base of production and complementing the functioning of the overall national industrial potential with its two other components, the big industries and the industrial zones.

As such, industrial complexes enjoy a considerable capacity for increasing the revenues of small and medium private businesses, accelerating the creation of new job opportunities and boosting the income for start-up launchers and junior investors, in addition to widening the base of the feeding industries and supplying big plants and industrial zones with the products they need in their multiple manufacturing activities. Promoting the productivity of such complexes reflects a state priority within the framework of the national strategy for achieving the growth of the national economy’s industrial sector, as so indicated by the conclusions of the meeting that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi called with Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli and Trade and Industry Minister Ahmed Samir last week. Following a review of the Trade and Industry Ministry’s plan of action, President Sisi gave directives for simplifying the industrial investment procedures and consolidating the partnership with the private sector, including through maintaining continuous communication between the Trade and Industry Ministry and the community of businessmen of experience in management governance and distinguished production.

Regarding industrial complexes in particular, the presidential directives during that meeting called for optimising the activities and productivity of these complexes – a process that involves removing any obstacles that young investors may face in steering small and medium-sized industries, launching promotional programmes and expanding data governance and automation. All such measures, together, would help increase the productivity of industrial sectors and invigorate industrial investments, ultimately enhancing the country’s combined industrial potential.