The government is keen on providing a conducive climate for business and easing the burden on exporters and manufacturers in order to increase the competitiveness of Egyptian products, said Trade and Industry Minister Tarek Qabil.

He, meanwhile, said that removing all obstacles facing investors is on the top of the government's priorities in a bid to lure investment and provide new jobs.

During his meeting with members of the Export Council For Building Materials, Refractory and Metallurgy Industries on Wednesday, Qabil said that Africa is considered one of the important and promising regions for Egyptian exports.

A study is underway to establish a number of logistics centers and provide swift shipping lines to reach a number of African markets, he added.

He further said that a decision has been made to establish five offices for trade representation in Uganda, Djibouti, Tanzania, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire in order to provide all the necessary technical services to help Egyptian exporters to enter these markets.

The ministry aims to expand the database of exporters through adding new export sectors and increasing support for small and medium-sized enterprises, he added.

Head of the Export Council For Building Materials, Refractory and Metallurgy Industries Walid Gamal el Din said that this sector is facing several challenges, a matter which requires the state's interference to support this sector and the export companies.

He also said that it is important to support the exports of this sector by 15% instead of 10% for three years.

The sector possesses several capabilities which enable it to double its exports within the upcoming phase, he said, noting that the volume of the sector's exports reached 17.796 billion pounds until October.

Sources: MENA