Gov't to activate construction sector

The government is deeply concerned with finding a way to activate Egypt's sluggish construction sector, Minister of Housing Mohammed Ibrahim Soliman said yesterday.

Speaking to engineering professors and the chairmen of contracting firms, Soliman stressed the government's efforts to remove obstacles hindering development of the construction sector. He stressed that the sector's LE17 million in investments were the basis for economic development as construction is closely linked to other important economic sectors.

He also discussed the anticipated impact of international agreements on the local construction market and efforts to export Egypt's contracting expertise to Arab countries.

"Prime Minister Atef Ebeid will announce various solutions for the sector's problems that aim at activating the market and increasing job opportunities it offers," he said, referring to an upcoming cabinet meeting.