Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued two decisions on Tuesday establishing and defining the competencies of the Ministerial Group for Human Development and the Ministerial Group for Industrial Development. The decision comes in line with the new government's aim to streamline policy making. These specialised groups bring together relevant ministers and officials to facilitate in-depth discussions and expedite action on issues within each group's purview. Chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, the Ministerial Group for Human Development will concentrate on national strategies in health, education, culture, sports, and religious discourse. It includes the Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, Minister of Youth and Sports, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Minister of Local Development, Minister of Social Solidarity, Minister of Awqaf, Minister of Labour, Minister of Culture, and the Minister of Education and Technical Education. Its responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of national human development strategies and monitoring the linkage between pre-university technical and technological education with labour market needs. The group will also be responsible for following up on presidential health initiatives, the comprehensive health insurance program, and employment challenges, as well as supervising the development of the Egyptian family, national cultural development plans, and a strategy for renewing religious discourse focused on moderation. The group will meet at least once a week and submit periodic reports on its work and recommendations to the Egyptian Prime Minister. Led by the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, the Ministerial Group for Industrial Development will concentrate on national industrial development strategy and fostering private investment in the sector. It includes the membership of Minister of Environment, Minister of State for Military Production, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Minister of Local Development, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Minister of the Public Enterprise Sector, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, and the Chairperson of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI). Key areas of focus include developing and implementing the national industrial development strategy, as well as encouraging direct private investment in the industrial sector. The group will also formulate a concrete plan with time-bound targets to increase the local component of national industry, particularly focusing on identified investment opportunities for self-sufficiency. Moreover, it will implement a unified mechanism for developing and allocating industrial lands to investors, along with streamlining approvals for establishing and operating industrial projects. Their responsibilities also include ensuring smooth coordination between ministries and authorities to simplify industrial investment procedures and developing a plan to maximise industrial exports in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The group can invite additional ministers, experts, or specialists to its meetings as needed. These Ministerial Groups are expected to enhance focus on critical development areas and expedite government action in achieving national objectives.
