The industry sector plays an important role in the national economy, Egypt’s minister of planning and administrative reform said on Tuesday. Hala al-Saeed stressed that the government counts on this sector to achieve a remarkable development boom in the coming period, as it is one of the fastest growing sectors with high production. This came during a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Federation of Investors Associations (EFIA) to discuss the opportunities presented by the industrial sector as one of the leading sectors, of which the country will heavily depend on in the coming period, and the challenges facing the work in this sector. “The government aims to increase the contribution of the industrial sector of economic growth to 20 percent, during the current fiscal year (FY) 2018-2019, compared to 15 percent currently,” Saeed said. The Minister pointed to the establishment of a national network of community that links public and private sector plans to guide efforts to specific areas. She explained that the government has started with Sohag and Suez governorates, in cooperation with Terous Foundation, to implement projects related to improving the environment, recycling and cultural projects in Youth centers and cultural palaces. “The government aims to increase the growth rate from 7.5 to eight percent and raise the investment rate to 25 percent by the end of the four-year plan,” Saeed pointed out. Concerning the private sector, the Minister said the government aims to increase the contribution of private investments from 58 to 60 percent of the total targeted investments. The minister reviewed the latest developments in Egypt’s Vision 2030, and what was added during the process of updating the vision in cooperation with ministries and other concerned parties. The population issue, the water issue and the sustainability of new urban cities have been added and given priority the reform program and modernization process, Saeed stressed. She also talked about the system of programs and performances implemented by 21 ministries, adding that the government is working with other ministries to implement them, raising the efficiency of spending.