Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem has stressed the need to strengthen ties between education and industry to develop skilled workers, create jobs and boost Egypt’s industrial competitiveness.
He said investment in human capital and industrial development must go hand in hand. Education provides the skills needed for growth, while industry creates productive jobs and opportunities for economic and social participation.
Hashem made the remarks at the IE University Middle East and Africa Alumni Summit, held in Cairo on Saturday.
The event was attended by Spanish Ambassador to Egypt Sergio Román Carranza Forster, IE University Vice President for Global Marketing and Recruitment Mar Hurtado de Mendoza, and senior university officials, academics and alumni.
Hashem said Egypt aims to boost its position in global supply chains by expanding local manufacturing, increasing domestic value added and developing skills suited to future industries.
He stressed that closer co-operation between universities and industry was essential to achieving these goals and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The minister called on IE University to expand its presence in Egypt and develop more programmes in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the industrial sector.
Such programmes would help bridge the gap between education and labour market needs, he said.
Drawing on his experience as an IE University alumnus, Hashem said education should go beyond academic qualifications. It should encourage critical thinking, openness to different views and the ability to turn ideas into practical results.
He also stressed the importance of continuous learning as technological advances reshape industry and create new demands for skilled workers.
Hashem said IE University’s focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and diversity was consistent with Egypt’s efforts to modernise its industrial sector and improve competitiveness.
He added that achieving these goals required close co-operation between the government, businesses, universities and skilled professionals.
Such partnerships would create jobs, improve living standards and strengthen the economy’s ability to achieve sustainable growth.
Hashem expressed hope for closer co-operation with IE University through new partnerships aimed at promoting innovation, supporting entrepreneurship and preparing skilled professionals to lead Egypt’s industrial development.
