Egypt’s Minister of Industry: We Aim to Regulate Informal Workshops, Not Shut Them Down

Engineer Khaled Hashem, Egypt’s Minister of Industry, has confirmed that the state does not pursue a policy of shutting down informal workshops and factories, commonly known as “Beir al-Sellm” workshops. Instead, the goal is to integrate them into the formal economy by legalizing their status and enforcing compliance with quality standards and technical specifications, thereby boosting national industry and enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian products.

The minister’s remarks came during a special discussion session held with journalist and media figure Hesham El-Zeiny, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram Auto, on the sidelines of the 2026 Al-Ahram Commercial Vehicles Exhibition.

During the dialogue, journalist Hussein Saleh posed a question to the minister regarding the ministry’s vision for dealing with these informal workshops and factories, asking whether there is a plan to shut them down or regulate their operations.

Minister Hashem praised the question, noting that the ministry has formed a specialized committee to monitor these workshops and factories. He clarified that the objective is not closure or imposing restrictions on workers, but rather helping them regularize their status and operate in line with approved technical requirements and standard specifications.

He added that the ministry aims to integrate these entities into the formal industrial system, ensuring improved product quality, consumer protection, and a more competitive industrial environment. He emphasized that adherence to quality standards has become essential to strengthening Egypt’s industrial standing and boosting its ability to compete in both local and export markets.