Minister of Planning and Economic Development Attends "Entlaq" Entrepreneurship Event
17 February 2024
H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, participated in the "Entlaq" entrepreneurship event alongside Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board, Dr. Nevine El Tahri, Member of Parliament, Mohamed Ihab, CEO of Entlaq, and numerous esteemed guests and entrepreneurs.
During her address, Dr. Hala El-Said emphasized that "Entlaq" for entrepreneurship is a pioneering Egyptian venture and a role model for Egyptian youth, noting the company's meticulously crafted vision and action plan which it has successfully executed within a year. She commended the company's role in effecting change and propagating an entrepreneurship culture through a comprehensive range of initiatives.
El-Said highlighted the importance of such events in the entrepreneurship realm, noting their perennial positive energy. She stressed the company's endeavor to shift mindsets towards entrepreneurship and foster that culture among youth, achieved through collaboration between the government, private sector, and international development bodies.
She underscored the state's interest in entrepreneurship, citing international reports indicating that over 70% of jobs stem from small and medium-sized enterprises. In light of recent global shocks, the significance of such enterprises has become evident due to their adaptability and contribution to regional development.
Regarding state efforts to stimulate entrepreneurship, El-Said reiterated the government's belief in creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and the private sector as active national development partners. She emphasized entrepreneurship as a primary avenue for youth investment, highlighting the updated Egypt Vision 2030 focusing on entrepreneurship's positive impacts and job creation through freelancing.
El-Said outlined the ministry's restructuring of the entrepreneurship portfolio and the launch of the Egypt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development to support entrepreneurship and innovation nationally.
She detailed the center's initiatives since inception, including the launch of the Innovators' Care Fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, aimed at integrating efforts in entrepreneurship and graduating startups for the Egyptian market.
The Minister stressed the importance of youth training and education, citing the "Be an Ambassador for Sustainable Development" initiative to promote sustainable development culture and Egypt's Vision 2030 among Egyptian youth.
Additionally, the ministry, in collaboration with various entities, launched the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects in Egyptian governorates, encouraging entrepreneurs to provide solutions for environmental issues and climate change through their projects.
El-Said noted that several winners of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects presented their projects at the COP28 climate conference in the UAE, receiving international acclaim.
In conclusion, the Minister emphasized the state's support for entrepreneurs across its institutions, reflecting the Egyptian state's belief in its most valuable asset: its youth.