Latest news with #localmanufacturing
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New expansion projects, public-private partnerships to modernize, localise industry: Egypt's minister
Egypt - Mohamed El-Shimy, Minister of Public Enterprises Sector, announced that the ministry is implementing a comprehensive plan to modernise and develop its affiliated companies through ambitious expansion projects. These initiatives aim to introduce advanced technologies, promote local manufacturing, and reduce reliance on imports, thereby enhancing value-added production and improving the competitiveness of national products. He underscored the importance of adhering to project timelines with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, alongside efforts to strengthen marketing strategies, open new markets, invest in human capital, motivate workers, ensure environmental sustainability, and adopt best industrial practices. El-Shimy made these remarks during the ordinary and extraordinary general assembly meetings of the Chemical Industries Holding Company, held to approve the draft budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year and review ongoing development and investment plans. The meetings were attended by members of the general assembly, representatives from the Central Auditing Organisation, and the company's board of directors, chaired by Saad Abu El-Maaty. The minister highlighted the pivotal role of the Chemical Industries Holding Company in supporting the national economy, citing its strong portfolio of subsidiaries, established brands, and diverse production capacities. He stressed the need to optimise the use of production assets, maximise returns, and expand strategic partnerships with the private sector in line with the State Ownership Policy Document. Such partnerships, he explained, will help unlock new opportunities for industrial growth, technology transfer, and local production. El-Shimy also reaffirmed the importance of complying with standards in occupational safety and health, environmental protection, preventive and routine maintenance, quality control, and sound governance. He noted that operational efficiency and sustainability are the main pillars underpinning the new budget. For his part, Emad El-Din Mostafa, Executive Managing Director of the Chemical Industries Holding Company, presented the draft budget, which targets revenues of EGP 22.4bn, net profits of EGP 7.1bn, and exports worth EGP 10.3bn. He emphasised that the budget aligns with the Ministry of Public Enterprises Sector's strategy, derived from Egypt's Vision 2030, the government's programme of action, and the State Ownership Policy Document. The focus remains on maximising economic returns from assets, improving operational efficiency, increasing value-added production, and expanding into export markets. The board's report detailed several major investment and expansion projects. In the fertiliser sector, these include building two new plants at KIMA for the production of nitric acid and ammonium nitrate, as well as restarting the ferrosilicon plant at KIMA, which had been idle for five years and has now been refurbished and brought back into operation. Additional projects include reviving Delta Fertilisers through urgent repairs and restarting the ammonia and urea plants; refurbishing the ammonia compressor at El Nasr Fertilisers to double production capacity; and developing a green ammonia production project in partnership with the private sector. Other ventures include the production of chlorine granules at Misr Chemical Industries, manufacturing pre-stressed concrete wire (PC Wire), and introducing new products by SIGOART and El Yayyat, such as railway sleepers and metro brake pads. The Naropeen conveyor belt factory will also undergo modernisation. These projects aim to achieve a qualitative leap in the industrial performance of the affiliated companies, increase their contribution to the national economy, support state efforts to substitute imports and boost exports, broaden the local production base, and promote sustainable industrial development. During the extraordinary general assembly, it was also agreed to raise the company's authorised capital from EGP 10bn to EGP 18bn and increase the issued and paid-up capital from EGP 9bn to EGP 17bn. This capital increase is intended to strengthen the company's financial position and support its development and investment plans.
The Herald
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Thinking local will help grow Nelson Mandela Bay economy and create jobs
Globalisation of economies and manufacturing supply chains is a reality which is here to stay, but as much as we seek to be a globally-connected economy we have to ensure that Nelson Mandela Bay remains a site of local manufacturing by multinational players as that is the anchor which creates much-needed local jobs. The erosion of local manufacturing in various sectors over the past year alone — through downscaling or shutting down sections of operations, as well as outright closures of entire plants — is a grave concern. Every direct job lost in a manufacturing operation potentially costs at least four jobs in the supporting supply chain, and in turn represents 10 people who have lost the support of a bread-winner. There is no single reason for any of these, but rather a combination of decisions made at a global head office as to the most amenable and competitive manufacturing locations, considerations of productivity and economies of scale, efficiencies and connectivity to global logistics hubs, and taking into account the local business enabling environment, or lack thereof. At the same time as we need the various stakeholders to take action to improve the conditions to support local manufacturing, such as reliable delivery of basic services and the ease of doing business, there is another powerful way to strengthen the local economy and protect local jobs, and that is to 'think local first' when making purchasing decisions. This call applies as much to us as individual consumers as it does to businesses and government when sourcing vehicles, equipment and supplies. Given that the Bay economy is anchored by vehicle manufacturing, a prime consideration is the depth of the business ecosystem surrounding these manufacturers, which creates thousands of additional local jobs in the supply chain of raw materials, component manufacturers and logistics, as well as the suppliers of goods and services to these operations. That generates an enormous amount of purchasing power to be spent with local retailers and diverse businesses from tourism, hospitality and entertainment through to home maintenance, personal services, healthcare, and paying school fees. The manufacturing sector in the Bay is the largest contributor to municipal rates and services income, as well as substantial corporate social investment which supports education, community development, youth skills development, and the welfare of society's most vulnerable. The local presence of multinational manufacturers also supports increased localisation and in turn opportunities to employ more people in the supply chain. That said, thinking local first is not only about big-ticket purchases like a new vehicle or set of tyres. It extends to thinking about buying fresh, seasonal produce grown in Loerie or the Sundays River Valley, locally-reared chicken, or fresh fish in the harbour, rather than imported vegetables, fruit and meat. It's about considering where clothing or shoes were manufactured, supporting local artisans and craftspeople, or sourcing office supplies or IT services from a local business. Sourcing from local suppliers also gives the advantage of more readily available customer support, reducing downtime, saving costs and the benefit of building local, trusted relationships. Buying local reduces transport costs and also contributes to environmental sustainability, reducing your carbon footprint by cutting down on the fuel and emissions of global shipping and airfreight. Consider also that some proudly SA products are sought-after the world over — mohair and wool from the Eastern Cape, wine from the Western Cape, oranges and lemons from the Sundays River Valley, squid from the fishers of St Francis Bay. Alongside this, our automotive assemblers have proven they have the capabilities and expertise to assemble vehicles which meet world-class standards. On the other side of the coin, there is no arguing with the fact that businesses based in the Bay, which sell imported goods, do also add value to the local economy in terms of property investment, contributing rates and taxes, employing people and developing their skills and careers. Some also contribute to local social and welfare challenges through CSI initiatives. However, this does not create the depth and breadth of direct and indirect jobs and overall support for the local economy, which local manufacturing provides. Consider for example all the thousands of businesses and jobs which are directly and indirectly linked to having an automotive industry in the Bay. There is good reason for many imported goods — things that can't be competitively produced locally, and offering consumers more choice and more price points — but we need to think about the long-term consequences of purchasing these products. We are saying 'think local first', because by buying an SA made or grown product, you are not just buying a car, a new suit or bag of vegetables, you are supporting local employment, education, skills development, and the welfare of local communities. What's more, local manufacturing brings technology and innovation to a country, which keeps it at the forefront of new developments. Our purchasing decisions have the power to grow a resilient and sustainable local economy, which in turn drives opportunities for employment creation and crucial support for communities. Think about it. Denise van Huyssteen is CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. The Herald
News24
01-07-2025
- Business
- News24
‘We cannot outsource our jobs.' - Parks Tau says localisation must drive ecommerce and procurement strategy
Minister Parks Tau launched two ecommerce platforms to boost local manufacturing and reduce import reliance. Cosatu's Zingiswa Losi welcomed the initiative, calling it a tool to protect and create jobs through local purchasing. The platforms aim to connect MSMEs with buyers and support inclusive, transformative procurement. The department of trade, industry and competition (DTIC) minister, Parks Tau, says South Africa cannot afford to outsource jobs, value creation or industrial capacity, especially as the country continues to face high unemployment and a growing trade deficit in manufactured goods. READ: SA pushes for more time before US trade sanctions kick in Speaking at the official launch of the National Online Store and Market Access Platform (MAP) in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Tau said the two new ecommerce initiatives are aimed at helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access buyers locally and internationally while giving procurement officials in both public and private sectors easier access to verified local suppliers. In 2023, South Africa recorded a trade deficit in manufactured goods exceeding R150 billion, an indication of our overreliance on imported finished products. Parks Tau 'At the same time, unemployment remains stubbornly high, at 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024, with youth unemployment sitting at 45.5%. These numbers make it clear that we cannot continue to outsource jobs and value creation,' Tau said. The newly launched National Online Store builds on lessons from South Africa's virtual pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai and is now home to over 500 verified local suppliers, offering thousands of South African-made products across a range of categories. A new export functionality will allow manufacturers to tap into regional opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is projected to serve 1.4 billion consumers with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. According to Tau, local businesses must benefit from the country's growing ecommerce market, which is projected to reach R225 billion by 2025. 'By supporting local businesses to enter digital marketplaces, we're not just growing the economy. We're building a digitally enabled industrial base,' he said. Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi welcomed the launch, saying it was a long-held dream of the federation to have tools such as Shop Proudly SA and the Market Access Platform available to workers and enterprises alike. 'It's an honour and a deep source of pride to celebrate this launch,' said Losi. 'This is an intervention within the economy that will protect and create jobs. It also gives consumers the power to change the economy one local purchase at a time.' Losi thanked the Proudly SA team for their 'innovation' as well as Minister Tau and his department for backing the initiative. She said the platform must now be used to mobilise communities and employers alike to procure local and Shop Proudly SA. In his remarks, Tau also focused on MAP, the non-transactional market access platform, which enables procurement officials to identify local suppliers based on ownership, compliance, sector and geographic profile. Tau noted that less than 20% of public procurement currently reaches MSMEs, with even less spent on businesses owned by women, youth, people with disabilities or military veterans. 'This must change,' Tau said. 'MAP supports transformation by making it easier to identify and procure from historically marginalised businesses.' If every large institution made just a 10% shift towards these groups, we could redirect billions of rands in procurement value into the hands of those who have long been excluded. Tau Tau added that research by Proudly SA shows if every household redirected just 10% of its annual spending to local goods, it could create up to 120 000 new jobs. But more than numbers, he said, the platforms launched this week aim to remove friction in the marketplace and bridge the gap between policy and implementation. 'We are at a critical junction. Our localisation strategy is not just a set of targets. It is a commitment to support the productive economy, reduce inequality and empower local producers,' he said. Tau closed by calling on all South Africans, consumers, procurement officials and policymakers to act. 'Buy local. Procure local. Empower local.'
Fast Company
25-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Engineering independence: Tariffs as a catalyst for STEM innovation
After a prolonged era of transnational economic dominance, tariffs are reemerging as transformative instruments capable of reshaping educational and economic landscapes—particularly within the burgeoning fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Often dismissed by proponents of global free trade as outdated protectionism, tariffs possess the potential to decentralize entrenched power structures, revive local manufacturing, invigorate small businesses, and significantly enhance national security, ultimately fostering vibrant, resilient communities anchored in robust STEM education. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF TARIFFS Tariffs have a long historical legacy. Since the 17th and 18th centuries, they've been utilized extensively as economic tools to protect emerging industries and regulate international trade balances. Notably, the United States relied heavily on tariffs throughout the 19th century to successfully cultivate domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on European powers. Founding figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton supported tariffs as strategic mechanisms to ensure national sovereignty and economic autonomy. Throughout history, tariffs have enabled nations to build robust industrial sectors by protecting young industries from overwhelming foreign competition. Though tariffs faced criticism in the 20th century as economically restrictive, recent disruptions in global trade have underscored their renewed importance in strengthening local economies and fostering community resilience. ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES Strategically implementing tariffs facilitates the decentralization of economic power from concentrated global networks toward localized, independent economies and limiting excessive federal government intervention by empowering state and municipal authorities. By incentivizing companies to relocate manufacturing closer to consumer markets, tariffs aim to stimulate local job creation, revitalize vocational and technical education, and cultivate a workforce whose skills align directly with industry requirements. This revival of local economies reduces unemployment rates and stimulates sustainable economic growth, fostering communities less vulnerable to global economic fluctuations. Tariffs also encourage entrepreneurship by leveling the competitive playing field and allowing small businesses to compete effectively against multinational corporations and fostering local economic resilience. EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES STEM education notably benefits from the economic shift facilitated by tariffs by becoming deeply integrated with hands-on, practical training and enabling students to acquire skills immediately relevant to employment. Tariffs can generate substantial government revenue without resorting to burdensome income taxes by allowing states and local governments targeted opportunities to enhance educational infrastructure, modern laboratories, and innovative STEM education curricula. Specific beneficial investments from these revenues include: Community Technology Centers Local facilities can be established that offer immersive, practical experiences in robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, renewable energy technologies, and biotechnology. These centers could serve as hubs for innovation and allow students and community members to collaborate directly with industry professionals on real-world projects. Business leaders can actively participate by sponsoring equipment, funding innovative pilot programs, and contributing expert mentorship to ensure these facilities remain aligned with industry standards and technological advancements. Teacher Training Programs Teacher training programs should be designed to equip educators with cutting-edge technological skills and effective, innovative teaching methodologies. Business leaders can help by supporting professional development programs in collaboration with educational institutions, offering industry certifications for teachers, and funding workshops or summer institutes led by experts from technology and engineering sectors. Such initiatives ensure teachers remain at the forefront of STEM advancements by empowering them to effectively inspire and train future innovators. Scholarships And Grants Programs aimed specifically at broadening merit-based access to STEM education and specialized training opportunities can be targeted toward underrepresented or economically disadvantaged groups. Business leaders can significantly contribute by establishing corporate-sponsored scholarships, supporting STEM competitions and hackathons, and investing in grant programs that fund research and development projects led by young scientists and engineers. Additionally, tariff revenues can effectively foster strategic partnerships to advance STEM education by facilitating: Collaborations between companies, educational institutions, and government bodies can go a long way in developing tailored training curricula that reflect immediate workforce needs. Business leaders can spearhead such initiatives by identifying skill gaps within their sectors and funding customized training programs that directly address these gaps. Internships And Apprenticeships Structured programs can bridge classroom learning with hands-on industry experience. Businesses can proactively engage by creating paid internship and apprenticeship programs that ensure participants gain meaningful, practical exposure to technology-driven industries, thereby strengthening their career readiness and increasing industry retention rates. Public-Private Partnerships Encouraging collaborative efforts between corporations, local governments, and educational institutions can develop comprehensive strategies that align educational curricula with economic development goals. Business leaders can lead by investing in these partnerships, influencing policy-making decisions, and actively participating in advisory councils to shape impactful STEM education frameworks. These programs enhance workforce readiness, entrepreneurial initiatives, and local economic innovation, creating a highly skilled workforce that can adapt to evolving technological demands. BROADER PERSPECTIVES While some critics argue that tariffs constitute unnecessary market intervention, others emphasize their effectiveness in fostering economic independence compared to income taxes and heavy regulatory measures. Properly structured tariffs redirect market activities toward localized economic interactions, thereby promoting reduced federal intervention, diminished taxation, and increased community autonomy. Such approaches reinforce economic sovereignty, protect individual freedoms, and encourage local innovation. Balanced policy approaches can mitigate risks associated with tariffs by optimizing their benefits while minimizing unintended economic disruptions. When thoughtfully implemented, tariffs hold significant potential to enhance STEM education, boost local economies, facilitate practical skill acquisition, and strengthen national security. By decentralizing economic power, revitalizing local manufacturing, strategically reinvesting tariff-generated revenues, and supporting small businesses, tariffs can play a critical role in shaping resilient, prosperous communities. Despite inherent challenges, their strategic application represents a pragmatic pathway toward sustained technological growth, economic stability, and national security, empowering communities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Abbot unite to manufacture pharmaceuticals locally in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, UAE /PRNewswire/ -- During BIO International Convention in Boston USA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, and Abbott, the global healthcare leader, entered a landmark partnership to localise manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in Abu Dhabi and advance digital health solutions. Leveraging Abu Dhabi's advanced life sciences infrastructure, this milestone reflects the emirate's proactive preparedness to reduce dependency on imports, strengthen supply chain resilience, and foster a sustainable, self-sufficient healthcare ecosystem. H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: "Following the recent launch of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster in Abu Dhabi, the emirate proved to be equipped with a holistic, integrated infrastructure that fosters local manufacturing and R&D, positioning it as a regional healthcare gateway and leader in life sciences. By integrating our strategic vision with Abbott's expertise, we aim to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative healthcare products and solutions, reducing time-to-market, improving healthcare outcomes, and ensuring that breakthrough therapies reach patients faster. This approach positions Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in fostering an agile, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem that directly translates scientific advancements into tangible benefits for our community." The strategic collaboration outlines a comprehensive plan focusing on four key pillars including localisation of Abbott's pharmaceutical portfolio, biosimilar development, digital transformation through electronic patient information leaflets, and a robust education and workforce development initiative. Mazen Bachir, Regional Director for Abbott's established pharmaceuticals business in the Gulf, Emerging Markets and Levant said: "Abbott is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, aimed at advancing healthcare resilience and innovation in Abu Dhabi. Building on Abbott's long-standing commitment to the UAE's healthcare system, this partnership will focus on localising existing pharmaceutical products, and jointly exploring the development of biosimilars, supported by regulatory alignment. The collaboration also includes initiatives to digitise life science product information through electronic leaflets in alignment with the UAE's digital health strategy. Another key component of this collaboration is the development of education programs to build local capabilities. Additionally, Abbott and the Department of Health will evaluate opportunities for joint research and development to strengthen long-term healthcare sustainability in the UAE." Led by DoH, a high-level delegation has embarked on a strategic mission to the United States from June 15 to 21, 2025. The delegation will conduct over 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the U.S., aimed at knowledge exchange, investment opportunities and the signing of new agreements that accelerate the adoption of advanced health solutions. Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation includes key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, startAD and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
