The European Union and UNIDO Strengthen Local Production and Competitiveness in New Valley and Assiut

A high-level delegation from the European Union Delegation to Egypt, UNIDO, European embassies, and the Ministries of International Cooperation and Local Development conducted a field mission from 1 to 4 February 2026 to the New Valley and Assiut Governorates, engaging with governors, farmers, and producers to support local production and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian products. The visit, carried out under the EU-funded TIGARA project, focused on the dates industrial cluster in New Valley and the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) cluster in Assiut, with the aim of strengthening value chains, developing workforce skills, and improving access to European markets.

The mission combined high-level strategic discussions with hands-on site visits. Starting with a meeting with Major General Dr. Mohamed El-Zamlout, Governor of New Valley on 1 February, and concluding with a meeting with Major General Dr. Hisham Abu Al-Nasr, Governor  of Assiut on 3 February, the discussions focused on explaining how the European Union and UNIDO’s support through TIGARA project contributes to strengthening local production, enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, and enabling access to international markets.

Discussions also highlighted TIGARA’s approach to improving competitiveness through better production processes, compliance with international standards, digitalisation, and more efficient value chains. The meetings also aimed to ensure alignment with local development priorities and to secure institutional endorsement for cluster development plans.

Beyond strategy, the mission placed strong emphasis on direct engagement with producers and associations. The delegation visited farms, production stations, factories, and associations involved in dates and MAPs production. Particular attention was given to the role of civil society associations, where production is largely driven by smallholder farmers. These associations act as a vital link to producers, helping translate technical support into practical solutions that reflect local traditions, capacities, and market realities.

“This mission reflects the European Union’s strong commitment to trade development and investment cooperation with Egypt,” said Nikolas Zaimis, Minister Counsellor and Head of the Investment and Trade Section at the EU Delegation to Egypt. “By engaging directly with local producers in Assiut and New Valley, we are helping strengthen competitiveness and workforce capabilities so that Egyptian products can better access European markets, while also creating opportunities for EU investors. It is a mutually beneficial partnership that builds bridges between our economies and supports sustainable growth on both sides.”

“Trade and cluster development are central pillars of UNIDO’s portfolio in Egypt,” said Dr. Gihan Bayoumi, the Deputy UNIDO Representative of the UNIDO Sub-Regional Hub in Egypt. “Beyond strategy, our focus is practical implementation, working hand in hand with local institutions and producers to modernise clusters, introduce digital tools, and strengthen capacities. By enabling SMEs to grow sustainably and compete in international markets, we contribute directly to Egypt’s broader economic development.”

TIGARA’s cluster development plans are designed to be flexible and responsive. The site visits allowed the delegation to assess real needs on the ground, identify opportunities for value addition, and refine planned interventions across the entire value chain. 

“This visit creates space for meaningful technical cooperation,” said Haguer Magdi, Trade Attaché at the Embassy of Belgium in Cairo. “For Belgium, this mission highlights opportunities for partnership in priority areas such as energy, transport, water technologies and knowledge transfer.”

“The Czech Republic values combining industrial modernisation with innovation and technology transfer,” said Ondřej Cuchý, Counsellor and Head of the Economic and Trade Section at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Cairo. “Visiting New Valley and Assiut, allows closer engagement with Egyptian producers. We aim to open further channels between Czech investors and local enterprises and strengthen our bilateral trade and investment relations.”

“Lithuania is keen to deepen its partnership with Egypt in ways that bring benefits to both economies,” said Darius Nevulis, the First Secretary and Head of the Political and Economic Section at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania. “Agriculture, energy and technology transfer are key priorities for us, and we see strong potential to expand cooperation, knowledge exchange and trade between our two countries.”

Lukasz Lesniewski commented: “I participated in the TIGARA study visit as Agriculture Counsellor at the Embassy of Poland, exploring opportunities for agricultural trade, food processing, sustainability and food safety in Egypt. The visit underscored the importance of inclusive growth, within local communities. The project’s strength lies in knowledge sharing and practical solutions that improve production, marketing and market access, driven by committed entrepreneurs and local authorities.”

About TIGARA Project

The European Union support to trade, industry, growth and rapid market access (TIGARA) is a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO / UNIDO Egypt) in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. Our mission is to drive trade growth and support Egypt's economic development through a focus on export orientation and enhanced competitiveness of the industrial sector.