Arab Steel Summit opens with focus on regional integration and competitiveness

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated the 19th Arab Steel Summit and International Iron and Steel Exhibition in Cairo on November 3, 2026. Organized by the Arab Iron and Steel Union (AISU), the two-day event brings together around 700 participants representing more than 330 companies and institutions from over 40 countries. MESTEEL is a media partner of the summit.

The opening ceremony was attended by Industry Minister Khaled Hashem, AISU Chairman Ahmed Ezz, senior government officials, representatives of Arab and international steel producers, technology suppliers and financial institutions.

Addressing the summit, Madbouly highlighted the importance of the steel industry to regional industrial development, investment and employment. Combined Arab steel production reached approximately 45 mln tons in 2025, underlining the sector's economic and industrial significance.

He called for stronger Arab industrial integration through the implementation of existing trade agreements, improved intra-regional trade flows and wider access for Arab steel products to regional markets. He also stressed the need to strengthen technological capabilities, develop technical skills and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry.

Madbouly said Egypt aims to strengthen its position as a regional steel industry hub through investment in production capabilities and technology, in line with its Industrial Development Strategy and Vision 2030. The country targets increasing industry's contribution to GDP to around 20pct by 2030 and employment in the industrial sector to approximately 7 mln workers.

The prime minister also highlighted the government's commitment to protecting domestic industry against unfair competition, while monitoring the growing use of protectionist trade measures internationally. He noted that the government is working to establish 10 technical schools in cooperation with the private sector to develop industrial skills.