Egypt’s food industry is emerging as a central pillar of the national economy, generating billions in exports and creating millions of job opportunities, according to Ashraf El-Gazzarly, Chairman of the Chamber of Food Industries.
Speaking at the National Food Safety Authority’s celebration of World Food Safety Day, El-Gazzarly described the food industry as one of Egypt’s largest economic and export sectors, with investments exceeding EGP 500 billion.
“The sector includes approximately 27,000 establishments registered with the Chamber,” he noted, adding that it contributes around 24% to the country’s gross domestic product and provides more than 7 million direct and indirect jobs. Exports from the industry are currently estimated at $11 billion.
El-Gazzarly’s presentation, titled “The Evolution of Regulatory Frameworks and Their Impact on the Food Industries Sector,” highlighted the sector’s vital role in achieving the goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030.
“The food industry is a key and vital contributor to supporting social stability and achieving economic growth,” he said. “Vision 2030 focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic development, increasing private sector participation, and promoting innovation—all while respecting the environmental dimensions of development.”
Addressing regulatory improvements, El-Gazzarly praised the efforts of Egypt’s Ministers of Industry, Investment, and Foreign Trade in removing barriers and fostering a more attractive business climate.
He pointed to significant reforms enacted over the past six months, particularly in customs and taxation, calling them “unprecedented steps that reflect transparency and realism.”
The development of the regulatory framework, he explained, rests on six pillars: encouraging industrial growth, legal and institutional reform, investment support, fair competition, state ownership policy, and monetary and digital transformation.
Among the most influential policies are the binding technical regulations issued by the National Food Safety Authority, alongside standards from the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality.
“The Chamber plays an active role in formulating these frameworks with relevant authorities to enhance competitiveness,” El-Gazzarly said.
He added that Egypt’s food safety policies are rooted in scientific collaboration with the industrial sector, especially concerning environmental standards and green economy requirements. Notable regulations include controls on additives, pesticide residues, and materials in contact with food.
Highlighting the sector’s international achievements, El-Gazzarly announced that eight Egyptian factories have been accredited to resume fish exports to EU countries—a milestone he described as a testament to Egypt’s improved food safety systems.
He concluded by affirming that strengthening regulatory frameworks is not only a means of improving the industry’s global standing, but also a direct investment in generating foreign currency and sustainable employment for Egyptian citizens.
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