AICS Cairo celebrated the launch of a new project entitled “Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work” (PE4DW) in Egypt: Improving Productivity and Strengthening Working Conditions in Key Industrial Sectors. This project is an International Labour Organisation (ILO) project in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. PE4DW aims to address and improve factors that elevate productivity levels and enhance decent working conditions in leather tanning, marble and furniture at the sector and company levels.
The launching event started with introductory remarks from Mr. Eric Oechslin, Team Leader for Decent Work, North Africa and Director of the ILO Cairo Office. He highlighted the role of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in funding this project and the added value its activities in building the capacities of national institutions. Then, His Excellency Michele Quaroni, Italian Ambassador to Egypt, highlighted the Italian support to Egypt in all fields, especially the agricultural and industrial sectors. He explained that this project is one of many projects funded by AICS, with a 2.5 million Euro fund to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Ambassador Ehab Nasr, Consultant of International Cooperation, on behalf of H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel Elwazir, Minister of Industry and Transport, highlighted that this project is aligned with Egypt`s National Strategy for Industry 2024-2030. This project will also contribute to a more sustainable future for Egypt. Then, His Excellency Mohamed Gobran, Minister of Labour, emphasised the close ties between the Egyptian and Italian people and governments and thanked the ILO for the daily interaction related to the project.
Afterwards, a presentation on the ILO`s PE4DW approach was presented by Marlen de La Chaux, Technical Officer, Productivity and Working Conditions (ILO Geneva), followed by a presentation on PE4DW Egypt by the project manager at ILO Cairo, Nashwa Belal. The launching event continued with a presentation on the framework of the application of the PE4DW approach in the leather tanning and marble sector, a discussion in working groups with companies operating in the marble and leather sectors, and a plenary session.
