Planning Ministry Hosts ‘Bab Rizq’ Excellence Certificate Ceremony

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development hosted a ceremony to distribute certificates of excellence to the beneficiaries of the “Bab Rizq” project, a collaboration between the Misr El Kheir Foundation and the Trade Development Fund, managed by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Hala El Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development; Sheikh Ali Gomaa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Misr El Kheir Foundation; and Eng. Hani Salem Sibai, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and Acting CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Trade Development Fund.

Dr. Hala El Said highlighted that the Bab Rizq project is the result of combined efforts to assist civil society as a key partner in the development process. She emphasized the state’s commitment to long-term, sustainable plans aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 through participatory efforts with the private sector and civil society. All development initiatives are undertaken in genuine partnership with development partners.

Regarding the importance of the “Bab Rizq” project, El Said explained its focus on small producers in the textile and furniture sectors, which are promising sectors in Egypt due to their ability to create added value, competitiveness, job opportunities, and local development. She emphasized the state’s interest in projects implemented at the governorate and village levels to contribute to achieving spatial justice by providing employment opportunities.

El Said noted that the project includes capacity-building components for beneficiaries, enabling them to produce 20 different clothing and furniture products in partnership with various stakeholders. She also highlighted the economic ripple effect generated by such projects, contributing to the development of value chains and sustainable growth, as well as balanced regional development.

Eng. Hani Salem Sibai explained that the ceremony announces the fruitful cooperation between the Trade Development Fund and Misr El Kheir Foundation, culminating in the launch of a pilot project in Beni Suef Governorate. He noted the signing of an agreement in 2022, attended by Dr. Hala El Said and the Governor of Egypt at the Islamic Development Bank, to produce distinguished furniture products competitive in the Egyptian market, thus improving income levels and providing employment opportunities for beneficiaries.

Sibai emphasized the direct and indirect economic and artisanal impact of such projects, affirming the Trade Development Fund’s focus on including such projects in its work programs. He expressed pride in the successful partnership with Misr El Kheir Foundation and indicated the Fund’s future direction to increase cooperation with the Foundation.

Dr. Ali Gomaa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Misr El Kheir Foundation, described the ceremony as a testimony to the fulfillment of God’s command to inhabit the earth, emphasizing that projects like “Bab Rizq” respond to those who adopt destruction as a path, while they adopt construction as theirs. He added that Misr El Kheir Foundation succeeded in alleviating burdens on people, improving their skills, and providing real job opportunities to help them develop and improve their living standards, exemplifying real human development. He stressed that the “Bab Rizq” project achieves three of the Sustainable Development Goals: poverty eradication, gender equality, and decent work and economic growth.