Egyptian Minister of Industry and Transport and Deputy Prime Minister of Industrial Development Kamal Wazir recently chaired a special meeting of cement producers, focusing on how to increase production capacity, restart idle production lines and stabilize market prices. The meeting is an important part of the Ministry of Industry's plan to continue to promote efficiency in the cement industry, aiming to ensure adequate supply in the local market. During the
meeting, the relevant departments reported in detail the recent fluctuations in cement prices, local production capacity data and the specific reasons for the shutdown of some production lines. It is reported that cement enterprises submit monthly production reports to the General Administration of Industrial Development, covering licensed capacity, actual output and export data. The evaluation shows that many enterprises have the technical ability to exceed the current licensed capacity. To this end, the General Administration of Industrial Development will study and approve the expansion applications of these enterprises, and stabilize prices by optimizing the use of resources and increasing market supply.
In order to encourage enterprises to increase production, Wazir announced a temporary reduction in the cost of capacity adjustment for enterprises that promised to increase supply to the local market during October. This incentive is in line with the government's strategy of regulating the market and lowering prices by expanding local production.
In view of the shutdown of some factories, the meeting pointed out that the main reasons included the shortage of spare parts and the upgrading of production equipment. Wazir stressed that the Ministry of Industry is working closely with factories to solve technical and managerial obstacles and ensure that production lines return to full capacity as soon as possible. A number of companies have also indicated that they are promoting system technology upgrades to meet production and energy efficiency standards.
The conference focused on the application and promotion of alternative energy. The Minister explicitly supports the use of environmentally friendly alternative fuels derived from agricultural and household waste in order to reduce production costs and improve environmental benefits. Cement producers have shown strong interest in this, believing that this transformation will enhance product competitiveness and sustainability. To this end, Wazir has instructed the General Administration of Standards and Quality, the General Administration of Industrial Development and energy experts to carry out special technical discussions, systematically assess the demand for alternative fuels in various factories, and study the supporting schemes of existing waste recycling facilities.
Through this series of comprehensive measures, the Egyptian government is working in a multi-pronged manner to promote the quality and efficiency of the cement industry, while ensuring market supply, to promote the transformation of the industry to a green and low-carbon direction.