ILO presents productivity ecosystems for decent work in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt (ILO News)– The International Labour Organization (ILO) officially launched the "Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work in Egypt" project today in Cairo.

The event brought together a distinguished group of national and international officials and experts, including H.E Mohamed Gobran, Minister of Labour; Eric Oechslin, Director of the ILO Cairo Office; H.E Ambassador Ihab Nasr, Advisor to the Minister of Industry for International Cooperation, representing the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, H.E Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir; and Michele Quaroni, the Italian Ambassador to Egypt.

A strategic partnership for sustainable growth

In his opening remarks, Eric Oechslin, Director of the ILO Cairo Office, highlighted the significance of this project: “As emphasized by the Egyptian leadership, fostering a resilient economy and sustainable growth is essential for national development. The ‘Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work in Egypt’ project is a pivotal advancement in Egypt’s Vision 2030. By focusing on key industrial sectors such as leather tanning, marble, and furniture, we are dedicated to improving productivity and working conditions, empowering these industries to thrive and compete internationally."

He praised the strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, alongside the continuous support of the Ministry of Labour, which ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing these sectors.

Oechslin also underscored the project’s alignment with global frameworks such as the UN Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection and the Global Coalition for Social Justice. He explained that the project aims to strengthen national institutions and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to promote sustainable productivity growth through decent work.

He added: “By engaging key stakeholders to tackle sector challenges and providing technical assistance, we aim to support 200 SMEs in the leather and marble sectors, fostering sustainable impacts for both businesses and communities. Together we can enhance a resilient economy that not only meets today’s challenges but also lays the foundation for a prosperous future for all Egyptians."

National priorities and government support

H.E Minister of Labour, Mohamed Gobran emphasized the vital role of decent work environments in fostering productivity and stability: "The focus on the marble and leather tanning sectors reflects the strategic priorities of the Egyptian government under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The establishment of the 'Roubiki' Leather City in 2020, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, exemplifies this commitment. The Ministry of Labour is committed to strengthening labour relations in these sectors, ensuring decent work, enhancing production, and attracting investments."

Representing H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, H.E. Ambassador Ihab highlighted the Ministry of Industry’s National Industrial Strategy 2024–2030, which enhances productivity and achieves decent work across industrial sites. He remarked “This project reflects Egypt’s determination to position itself as a regional industrial hub, especially by advancing strategic sectors such as leather tanning and marble."

H.E. Michele Quaroni, Italy's Ambassador to Egypt, reaffirmed Italy's support, stressing the strong bilateral relations in all fields and the importance of improving productivity in Egypt’s industrial sectors.

Engaging SMEs for impactful results

The event featured presentations on the project’s objectives and implementation strategies. Ms. Marlen de la Chaux, Technical Officer at the ILO, introduced the project's overarching approach, while Ms. Nashwa Belal, Project Manager in Egypt, detailed its objectives and operational dimensions. The consultants highlighted how the methodologies would be applied to the leather tanning and marble sectors.

This was followed by interactive group discussions that explored the practical application of the project's initiatives within SMEs and provided insights into how to improve productivity and the working environment in the targeted sectors. The services to be offered under the project were outlined, and SMEs were encouraged to complete expressions of interest to participate in the capacity building programmes.

A commitment to Egypt’s industrial future

The ILO’s "Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work in Egypt" project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Industry, represents a significant step towards strengthening Egypt’s industrial sectors. By boosting productivity and improving working conditions, the initiative aims to promote sustainable economic growth while delivering tangible benefits to businesses and communities, contributing to a prosperous future for all.