Egypt looks to post-revolution ICT boost

GOVERNMENT

Egypt’s Minister of Communications and ICT, Hany Mahmoud, says his Ministry is addressing the problems now facing the ICT sector in the wake of the revolution.

Speaking in Sohour, the Minister noted several legislation bundles have not been concluded yet, including the new communication law, freedom of information exchange, information security and protecting the confidentiality of personal data legislation.

He said his Ministry recognised that personal data confidentialitywas a major prerequisite of the international companies, banks and institutions to invest in the Egyptian market. Therefore, efforts are currently underway to complete the legislative structure in order to present it to the council of ministers for submission before the next Parliament. 

Mahmoud also said SMEs had taken a knock during the revolution period, with a drop in business and delays in payment. He said a key priority of the MCIT was to attract more local and foreign investments and develop local demand within ICT sector to help SMEs regain their pivotal role in the Egyptian community, lost in post-revolution events. 

Mahmoud also said he would hold an expanded meeting with international companies located in Egypt right after the Bairam feast, to discuss their future plans for post-revolution Egypt.