MP calls for re-operating closed companies

Egyptian parliamentarian Mohamed Wahab Allah warned of the repercussions of calls for closing factories and selling them, saying that such a step could affect families and harm Egypt's national industry.   He expressed , in an interview with "Arabs Today", his refusal to the proposals to privatize the suspended factories, saying, "What we suffered during 1990s is enough, as the economic decisions led many workers to early retirement and left negative repercussions on the country's economy."   He stressed the need for operating the suspended companies, calling the government for preparing a clear plan to re-operate tens of companies suspended by the critical conditions witnessed in the country. He added that their operation will benefit not only the owners and workers but also the government.   He stressed that the government needs to increase production to reduce its imports and to achieve self-sufficiency, in addition to increasing the exports. He blamed the critical economic conditions for the failure of these companies to pay the salaries of their workers.   He added that the government should interfere to draft a clear strategy to re-operate these companies as soon as possible.    On the other hand, he stressed the need for finding serious solution for the current soaring prices of basic commodities, saying that the government should open new branches of consumers complexes to provide basic commodities in low prices.   He added that there is a need for supporting the efforts to provide new job opportunities to the young people, saying that the government could establish new consuming units inside the companies to meet the needs of the workers and their families.