A delegation from the Ministry of Industry and 20 entrepreneurs learn about the Italian experience in developing the leather industry in Rubiki

A delegation from the Ministry of Industry, headed by Dr. Ahmed Maghawry, Assistant Minister of Industry for International Cooperation, and 20 entrepreneurs working in the field of tanning and leather manufacturing, visited Italy to learn about the Italian experience in the leather industry, and to benefit from the latest technologies and expertise in developing the Rubiki Leather City.

The delegation included representatives of the Cairo Company for Investment, Urban and Industrial Development, and the Leather Tanning Technology Center, within the framework of enhancing industrial and investment cooperation between Egypt and Italy and opening new horizons for transferring expertise and technology to the Egyptian market.

Maghauri: Italy is a global model for developing the leather industry

Dr. Ahmed Maghawry confirmed that the visit comes in implementation of the directives of Engineer Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry, to learn about the experiences of the world’s leading countries in the leather industry, most notably Italy, and to benefit from them in supporting and developing the leather industry system in Egypt.

He explained that the visit was organized with the participation of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), headed by Marco Rusconi, Director of the Agency, who confirmed the commitment of the Italian business system and the companies representing the “Made in Italy” brand to support the development of the Rubiki Leather City and benefit from the Italian experience.

Al-Rubiki is a model for integrated manufacturing in Egypt

Maghawry said that the meetings with Italian officials and authorities confirmed that the Rubiki Leather City represents an advanced and sustainable model for quantitative manufacturing in Egypt, as it is an integrated industrial city built according to the latest international systems.

He pointed out examining the possibility of applying sustainability models and specialized industrial cities in other industrial areas in Egypt, including the Furniture City and the Shaq Al-Tha'ban Marble and Granite Area, which would contribute to raising competitiveness and reducing carbon emissions.

Discussing attracting Italian investments to Egypt

He added that the discussions dealt with opportunities to attract Italian investments to Egypt, especially attracting small and medium-sized European companies, in addition to discussing ways to transfer expertise and modern technology to the Egyptian leather industry sector.

He pointed to the development witnessed by the Leather Technology Center in Egypt, explaining that it recently received modern cutting machines and began conducting quality tests in accordance with European models and standards.

Field tour in Vidgevano to learn about the latest leather technologies

The visit included a tour of the city of Vidgevano, which is one of the most prominent historical centers of the shoe and leather industry in Italy, to learn about the development of the leather industry and the crafts associated with it and the techniques used in processing them.

The delegation visited the Assomac Association, the Entrepreneurship Museum, and the International Shoe Museum, to learn about the history of the industrial zone, the development of its commercial activities, and the role of innovation, experience, and entrepreneurial capabilities in establishing the “Made in Italy” brand.

The tour also included a visit to the Atom factory to see the latest leather pressing and cutting machines and the advanced technologies used in the shoe industry.

Access to the Italian testing and quality control system

The visit also included the Center for Industrial Testing and Quality Control (CIMAC), which is European-accredited in testing leather goods, clothing and plastics, in addition to participating in a specialized exhibition for the leather tanning industry and shoe manufacturers.

These visits aimed to learn about the latest technology available in the sector, in addition to presenting the investment opportunities available in Egypt to Italian companies and entities.

7 bilateral meetings to enhance Egyptian-Italian cooperation

The delegation held 7 intensive bilateral meetings with the heads of various Italian business associations, in addition to a meeting with the governor of the city of Vidgevano and the heads of the Association of Producers of Leather Tanning and Shoe Making Machines, and the Federation of Lombardy Regional Manufacturers.

The meetings discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Egypt and Italy, and benefit from advanced Italian expertise and technologies in developing the leather industry, in a way that supports the competitiveness of the Egyptian industry and opens the way for more partnerships and investments in this sector.