Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, affirmed that the state places significant emphasis on advancing development in Upper Egypt governorates to enhance citizens’ quality of life and stimulate economic growth. She noted that these efforts aim to create jobs, improve living standards, and upgrade public services.

Her remarks came during a meeting with Amr Abdel Moneim, Head of the Upper Egypt Development Authority, to discuss ways to strengthen joint cooperation as part of the government’s broader strategy to achieve comprehensive development across Upper Egypt.

Awad stressed the ministry’s commitment to coordinating with various state entities to ensure institutional complementarity, in line with the Prime Minister’s directives to implement priority projects capable of delivering swift economic and social returns for Upper Egypt communities.

During the meeting, Abdel Moneim reviewed projects that have been completed and handed over to the relevant bodies for management across several governorates. Eight projects have been delivered to ministries, governorates, and other concerned entities, including poultry production facilities, industrial complexes, sugarcane seedling initiatives, veterinary units, and handicraft clusters. Additional complexes have also been made available for investment.

He further highlighted the Authority’s focus on expanding partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders, including the signing of cooperation protocols with investors and government bodies for a number of development projects in Upper Egypt.

Awad reiterated the ministry’s commitment to maximising the region’s competitive advantages, natural resources, and human capital to accelerate development and respond to citizens’ needs across key sectors. She pointed to ongoing coordination with the Authority on flagship development programmes, including the Upper Egypt Local Development Programme and the presidential Decent Life initiative, particularly in supporting economic clusters and promoting agro-industrial and manufacturing activities. These efforts, she said, aim to generate employment opportunities and ensure a decent standard of living for residents, in line with the political leadership’s directives.