"EU-Funded TIGARA Project Launches 1st Meeting to Advance Sustainable Industrial Growth in Egypt"

The European Union support to Trade, Industry, Growth, and Rapid Market Access (TIGARA) project held its inaugural Steering Committee meeting today at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. 

This meeting marks a key milestone in advancing the project’s mission to enhance Egypt’s industrial competitiveness, drive trade growth, and support the country's long-term economic development.

Co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the European Union Delegation to Egypt, the Steering Committee convened to align stakeholders, establish key priorities, and approve the annual work plan of the project.

This project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, focuses on strengthening the policy ecosystem and business environment, and supporting value chains and clusters to help Egypt capitalize on trade opportunities.

The committee includes representatives from several key governmental ministries and agencies, including Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Local Development, Industrial Development Authority (IDA), Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), General Authority for Investment (GAFI), Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Egyptian Organisation for Standardisation and Quality (EOS), General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC), Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) and civil society representatives.

The meeting provided an opportunity for committee members to discuss the project’s objectives, ensuring alignment with Egypt’s national development goals and fostering strong collaboration among all stakeholders, as well as validating the 2025 workplan.

Giacomo Bogo, Attaché, Programme Manager – Trade, Investments and Digital Transformation, the European Union Delegation to Egypt, added: “TIGARA project reflects the EU’s strong partnership with Egypt; it is a key part of our strategy to enhance resilience and competitiveness in the industrial sector. By supporting Egypt’s economy through TIGARA, we aim to foster long-term sustainability and accelerate inclusive economic growth.

Patrick Jean Gilabert, UNIDO Representative in Egypt, emphasized: “TIGARA project is a prime example of the kind of transformative partnerships that UNIDO values. Through our collaboration with the Egyptian government and the EU, we are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and competitive industrial sector, aligned with global standards and Egypt’s development priorities”.

The European Union support to trade, industry, growth and rapid market access (TIGARA) is a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO / UNIDO Egypt) in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. 

Our mission is to drive trade growth and support Egypt's economic development through a focus on export orientation and enhanced competitiveness of the industrial sector.