Seminar about “Mechanisms for issuing validity certificates for food consignments intended for export”
The Chamber of Food Industries, in cooperation with the National Food Safety Authority, organized an informative seminar online on the “Mechanisms for issuing validity certificates for food consignments prepared for export”, which contributes to increasing the chances of Egyptian products entering foreign markets, releasing under custody, transporting and storing incoming food consignments, which facilitates the movement of trade and governs the supervision of food storage facilities which was issued by the National Food Safety Authority and will be enforceable as of January 1, 2025, in which the representatives of the National Food Safety Authority explained all matters related to the mechanisms for issuing validity certificates and releasing under custody, with the participation of Dr. Tarek Al-Houbi, Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority, representatives of the National Food Safety Authority, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Fadil, Advisor to the Factory Control Department, Dr. Soheir Gadallah,
Director of the Laboratories Department, Dr. Ashraf Samy, Director of the Export Department, Dr. Mahmoud Meilam, Director of the Storage Facilities Department, and Dr. Farah Hanna, Acting Director of the Imports Department, in the presence of a large number of the food factories, members of the chamber. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Maysa Hamza, Executive Director of the Chamber of Food Industries.
The Chamber’s participation in the Food Africa Exhibition's Ninth Edition and the Propack MENA Exhibition's Fifth Edition
The Chamber of Food Industries participated as a strategic partner in the opening sessions of the Ninth Edition of the Food Africa Exhibition, and the Fifth Edition of the Pack Process Exhibition, which was held from December 3 to 5, under the patronage of His Excellency, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, where Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, participated as a keynote speaker at the opening session of both the Food Africa and Pack Process 2024 exhibitions.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli confirmed that the Chamber’s participation in the exhibition comes within the framework of its keenness to support the food industry sector, in particular small and medium enterprises, and female entrepreneurs’ companies. He also stressed that the food industry sector in Egypt continues to achieve great successes with the efforts of the state and His Excellency, Lt. General Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, to encourage investment and enhance competitiveness, as the food sector exports will have increased by $10 billion by the end of this year, with a focus on penetrating African and Asian markets.
The Chamber’s participation in the Annual International Manufacturing Convention and Exhibition in its Third Edition
The Chamber of Food Industries participated in the third International Manufacturing Convention and Exhibition, organized by the Federation of Egyptian Industries under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, which was held during the period from 25 to 27 November 2024 at the Egyptian International Convention and Exhibition Center, with the aim of developing the Egyptian industry, exchanging experiences, supporting initiatives, and presenting prospects for the advancement of the industry and localizing it. The forum is also considered a good step to get to know the various local industries and hold bilateral business meetings.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli confirmed that the food industries represent one of the main pillars of the Egyptian economy, as they contribute to achieving food security and providing millions of job opportunities, in addition to their growing role in enhancing national exports. He added that the conference comes at a pivotal time to discuss the future of the Egyptian industry, especially in light of the presidential initiatives supporting local production, most notably the initiative to finance production requirements.
He pointed out the importance of enhancing innovation and technology in the food industry sector to keep pace with global standards, stressing the need to focus on promising markets, especially on the African continent, which represent a strategic opportunity to increase Egyptian exports. He also explained that the Chamber is working in coordination with government agencies to facilitate the access of Egyptian food products to these markets, by removing trade obstacles and improving logistical services.
A training program entitled: “Preparing for Food Safety Audits - in English”
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled: “Preparing for a Food Safety Audit - in English” in the presence of a number of chamber member companies, on Sunday and Monday, November 17 and 18, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Farmer to Farmer “Comprehensive Food Systems” project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The training program explained some important topics, including “Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) - (employee practices), cleaning and sterilization, allergen management, compliance with regulations and laws - related to specifications and inspection bodies, site infrastructure - construction, facilities, buildings and equipment, Integrated pest management, maintenance and calibration, food safety advocacy, chemical control, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) – (product safety), foreign matter control, and environmental monitoring.”
US Dairy Export Council Conference in Muscat
The Chamber of Food Industries participated in the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) conference as part of a series of global participation in the dairy industry in the city of Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman during the period from November 11 to 15, 2024, in the presence of the Vice Chairman of the American Dairy Export Council, and Director General of the Center for Food Safety and Quality in the Sultanate of Oman with the participation of more than 200 participants as representatives of all countries in the Middle East and North Africa working in the field of food and beverages, especially representatives of government and regulatory agencies in these countries. Dr. Reda Abdel Galil, General Director of the Technical Affairs Department, represented the Chamber and gave a presentation on food safety in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Some topics related to food safety in the Middle East and North Africa region were also discussed and presented, and the current situation of food safety in the region was explained, the relationship of food safety to international trade, non-tariff barriers to trade, the systems implemented for food safety systems in the countries of the region, the most prominent challenges facing the various systems for food safety in the countries of the region, how to enhance regional cooperation in the field of food safety and the role of innovations and technology to enhance food safety regionally, address challenges and opportunities in the dairy and cheese market in the Middle East and North Africa region, analyze the challenges it faces and discuss strategies to overcome them, in addition to providing examples of international bodies that provide support to countries in the region in the field of Food Safety.
An initiative to train 50 companies within Sharkia Governorate on the basic requirements for food safety
In continuation of the implementation of the initiative to train fifty companies launched by the Chamber of Food Industries within the Sharkia Governorate on the basic requirements for food safety, in cooperation with the National Food Safety Authority and the project to support food control and inspection systems “TAIB”, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, with the aim of qualifying companies on food safety requirements. In accordance with Law No. 11 of 2020, in 5 sectors, the Chamber held the training program for the second sector, which is the meat and its products sector, in the presence of a number of chamber member companies. This training comes within the framework of the Chamber’s role to support and develop the food industries sector. As a first stage, the initiative aims to train about 100 food safety, quality, and production officials by 2 trainees in food companies that are members of the chamber in the governorate.
A training program on “Key Performance Indicators for Food Safety Systems”
The Chamber of Food Industries held a training program on: “Key Performance Indicators for Food Safety Systems” in the presence of a number of chamber member companies, on Monday, November 4, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to support food control and inspection systems (TAIB), funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The training aims to establish performance indicators, differentiate between operational and tactical objectives, define key performance indicators, know the success factors of performance indicators, and include performance indicators in the quality and food safety management system.
A Symposium on “Carbon Footprint...The Future of Exports”
The Chamber of Food Industries held a Symposium on “Carbon Footprint...The Future of Exports” in cooperation with the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, in the presence of Dr. Ekram Saeed, Head of the Environmental Performance Unit at the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, and representatives of the Ministry of Environment, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, the Egypt Financial Supervisory Authority, the Environmental Compliance Office, the Agricultural Research Center, the Central Laboratory for Organic Agriculture, the Animal Health Research Institute, and a number of concerned authorities, experts, and member companies and factories.
Dr. Maysa Hamza, Executive Director of the Chamber of Food Industries, confirmed in her opening speech that the future of food manufacturing and exports depends largely on our ability to adapt to new global trends in reducing carbon emissions and responding quickly to environmental requirements, as we must all work together to ensure the continuation of our products in the local and global markets. She pointed out that the aim of this symposium is to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Chamber and the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality in providing a comprehensive vision on the carbon footprint with regards to the food sector, which is one of the most prominent international environmental standards that are being focused on globally as part of efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
Dr. Ekram Saeed, head of the Environmental Performance Unit, added that the authority has been accredited and recognized internationally in the field of verification and certification of the carbon footprint, within the framework of the Egyptian state’s directions to support Egyptian exports, as the carbon footprint in the food industry is not just a number, but rather a direct reflection of the way we produce and consume food, starting with agriculture, through manufacturing and distribution, to our tables, each stage of the food life cycle leaves a carbon footprint, and she gave a presentation on the stages through which climate change has passed, environmental indicators, and the carbon footprint as one of the environmental indicators.
Eng. Mohamed Abdel Moneim, a specialist in the Organization’s Environmental Performance Unit, talked about the carbon footprint in food and the life role of the product and its relationship to the carbon footprint. He also explained how to prepare environmental disclosure reports.
Eng. Fatma Ali, a specialist in the Organization’s Environmental Performance Unit, also explained the mechanism for adjusting carbon limits (CBAM) and the future of Egyptian exports in light of global environmental challenges.
A training program on “Cleaning and Disinfection Practices in Food Factories”
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program on “Cleaning and Disinfection Practices in Food Factories” in the presence of 51 member companies of the Chamber, on Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 and 24, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to support food control and inspection systems (TAIB) funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The training aims to enhance understanding of the importance of cleanliness and disinfection, provide knowledge about contaminants in food factories, teach best practices for cleaning and disinfecting equipment, enhance efficiency in implementing cleaning and disinfection operations, develop verification and evaluation skills, reduce errors and risks associated with cleaning, and enhance cooperation between work teams.
Dubai International Food Safety Conference and Exhibition under the title “Foreseeing the Future in Food Safety”
The Chamber of Food Industries participated in the Dubai International Food Safety Conference and Exhibition under the title “Foreseeing the Future in Food Safety” and the importance of proactively identifying food safety and the challenges and threats to mitigate them. The conference included seminars, workshops and an exhibition aimed at exploring the various factors that shape the future of food safety, as it is one of the largest food safety events in the world. This was in the presence of Dr. Maysa Hamza, Executive Director of the Chamber of Food Industries, Eng. Shahat Selim, Advisor to the Chamber for Legislation and Government Relations, Dr. Reda Abdel Galil, General Director of the Technical Affairs Department, and more than 3,500 participants from all over the world, representing a variety of stakeholders, including the food industry and universities, scientific research organizations, laboratories, training providers, certification bodies, technology service providers and regulatory bodies. A unique platform was provided for exchanging knowledge, cooperation, and developing innovative solutions to ensure the future of safe and sustainable food systems.
Some topics were discussed, including presenting strategies, tools, and best practices for building strong future foresight programs, and learning about the future of food inspection and testing operations and data systems that provide the necessary tools and strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
A training program on “Food Fraud”
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled “Food Fraud” in the presence of 44 member companies of the Chamber, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to support food control and inspection systems (TAIB), funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The training aims to define the types of fraud, differentiate between food fraud and food defense, distinguish food risks that can result from fraud, prepare a plan to assess sensitivity to fraud, and take appropriate measures to mitigate the possibility and severity of the risk of fraud.
A training program on “Environmental Management Systems in Food Industry Factories - in English”
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program on “Environmental Management Systems in Food Industry Factories - in English” in the presence of a number of member companies of the Chamber on Sunday and Monday, September 22 and 23, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Farmer to Farmer “Comprehensive Food Systems” project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where the training program explained some important topics, including “Introduction to Environmental Management Systems Concepts, Objectives and Benefits, Compliance with the Standard ISO 14001, waste, water, energy, air quality, resources and risk management, monitoring and measurement, documentation and record keeping, continuous improvement, case studies and best practices.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Festival in its third edition
The Chamber of Food Industries participated in the opening session of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Festival in Fayoum as a strategic partner of the festival in its third edition, which is held in Fayoum Governorate under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and with the support of the German International Cooperation Agency GIZ Egypt, as this festival specialized in medicinal and aromatic plants is an important dialogue platform on how to exploit the investment and export opportunities available in the food industry and agricultural crops sector.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, participated in the opening session of the festival, noting that the total exports of food industries and agricultural crops together are 10 billion dollars and growing at a rate of 28% annually, which makes them competitors to the Suez Canal in terms of their importance to the national income. He pointed out that exports of medicinal plants and aromatic oils exceed 300 million dollars and are targeted to reach one billion dollars in the coming years.
Training programs in cooperation with the ERAS and TAIB projects in Alexandria
The Chamber of Food Industries organized two training sessions in Alexandria Governorate within the framework of fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the “ERAS” project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the “TAIB” project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The first program was held on Monday and Tuesday, September 23 and 24, under the title “ How to apply the basic requirements for food safety in food storage facilities in accordance with the guidelines of the National Food Safety Authority” with the aim of explaining food safety requirements in food storage facilities (vegetable and fruit products).
The second program was held on Wednesday and Thursday, September 25 and 26, under the title “Defining the Primary Supplier”. This program addressed the factory’s responsibilities towards the primary supplier, the purpose of evaluating the supplier with regard to food safety, types of review, factors affecting the effectiveness of the review, and evaluating the results of pesticides residue analyses for the primary supplier, the mechanism for selecting the primary supplier to take samples of its products for analysis, mechanism for evaluating the results of pesticide residue analyses, traceability, enhancing companies’ ability to monitor approved suppliers, raising awareness of the importance of applying integrated pest management in production areas, identifying types and methods of review, basic skills for completing an effective review.
The First Annual Forum of the General Organization for Export and Import Control under the title: “Shifting Mindsets to Unlock Export Potential”
The Chamber of Food Industries, headed by Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, participated in the first annual forum of the General Organization for Export and Import Control, which was held under the title “Shifting Mindsets to Unlock Export Potential” in the presence of Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Eng. Hassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Engineer Essam Al-Naggar, Chairman of the General Organization for Export and Import Control, Dr. Tarek Al-Houbi, Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority, and a group of officials and senior exporters. Eng. Ashraf stressed the necessity of fully activating the role of food safety, through oversight of all production chains and trading links, which gives a strong impetus to the growth of food industry exports to 10 times what it is currently. He pointed out that the National Food Safety Authority, in accordance with Law No. 1 of 2017, was given the right to control food, but in order to activate its supervisory role in an integrated manner, it would require a timetable and an economic resource.
He also pointed out the importance of having strong agricultural guidance to push agricultural production in compliance with safe and healthy food production standards.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said during his speech at the panel discussion entitled “Trade Facilitation: A Vision For The Future” that the Egyptian industry has many advantages and opportunities to launch, grow, and compete in foreign markets, and that what we have achieved at the level of exports still does not express our capabilities and ambitions as a food sector.
Finally, he stressed the importance of implementing a risk assessment and management system and facilitating all laws and ministerial decisions based on the use of Artificial Intelligence to deal with exports and imports, as it can, by using available data to contribute to giving a greater competitive advantage to Egypt in the Trade and Export sector.
Training Programs in Minya and Beni Suef Governorates
Out of the Chamber’s keenness to raise the efficiency of food facilities across Upper Egypt, and within the framework of fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Feed the Future Project - a project to enhance agricultural business in the Egyptian countryside, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
A training program was organized in Minya Governorate under the title “Programs for Initial Requirements for Food Safety.” The training program dealt with the initial programs in accordance with Decree No. 11 issued by the National Food Safety Authority and presented the requirements list for factories to register.
A training program was also organized in Beni Suef Governorate under the title “List of Basic Requirements Programs for Good Manufacturing and Risk Management Systems” in the presence of a number of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants companies who are members of the Chamber.
The training program included a presentation of Law No. 1 of 2017 and its executive regulations issued by Prime Minister’s Decree No. 412 of 2019 and the National Food Safety Authority’s Board of Directors Decree No. 11 of 2020 issued regarding the rules for implementing food safety requirements in food establishments, which are consistent with the requirements of the Codex.
The Chamber of Food Industries’ Participation in the First Conference for Food Industry Exporters
The Chamber of Food Industries, headed by Eng. Ashraf Ashraf El Gazayerli, participated in the first conference for food industry exporters, which was organized by the Food Export Council, headed by Eng. Hany Berzi, in the presence of Eng. Hassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, and a group of heads of bodies and food industry representatives, and in the presence of members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli participated in a discussion session entitled “Empowering Exports by Strengthening the Industry,” stressing that the Chamber is keen to implement the country’s vision to raise the national production level and enhance its competitiveness, indicating that the Chamber aims to create a positive legislative climate that contributes to increasing the quality and competitiveness of Egyptian food products in local and global markets, and participate in developing strategies and policies that will advance the sector.
He also stressed that the sector will continue to work to achieve national production goals during the next stage and to strengthen the partnership between the government and the private sector to ensure the implementation of effective economic policies.
Eng. Ashraf confirmed the readiness of the Food Industries sector to provide all means of support and assistance in the new phase of the state to overcome the current economic challenges and complete the process of construction and development.
Carbon Footprint Training Program
The Chamber of Food Industries organized a training program entitled: “Carbon Footprint”, in the presence of 22 member companies of the Chamber. The training was opened with a speech by Dr. Maysa Hamza, Executive Director of the Chamber. She indicated that this program aims to raise awareness for the importance of reducing the carbon footprint in food manufacturing to comply with international regulations and agreements related to the environment and climate. This is due to its positive impact on enhancing the protection of human health and encouraging innovation to achieve environmental sustainability and increase exports, thus growing the food industry sector sustainably. She added that calculating the carbon footprint enables factories to implement environmental strategies and measures that will reduce harmful emissions and limit climate changes, such as programs to improve energy efficiency that rely on clean renewable energy sources, manage and recycle waste, and choose suppliers committed to environmentally friendly practices to improve the sustainability of energy supply chains.
A workshop in cooperation with the Central Laboratory for Analysis of Pesticide Residues and Heavy Metals (QCAP) under the title "Laboratory tests for materials and tools in contact with food"
The Chamber of Food Industries organized a workshop in cooperation with the Central Laboratory for Analysis of Pesticide Residues and Heavy Metals in food under the title “Laboratory tests for materials and tools in contact with food” in light of the decree of the Board of Directors of the National Food Safety Authority No. 17 of 2022, in the presence of representatives of the Authority and a number of experts and food factories that are members of the Chamber. Dr. Maysa Hamza, Executive Director of the Chamber, opened the workshop with her speech, stressing the keenness of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, headed by Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, to coordinate and continue cooperation with various partners and stakeholders in order to improve the industrial system for food and food safety in Egypt, explaining that this workshop is the second in cooperation with the Laboratory in Less than a month and a half, as part of a group of meetings that the Chamber is keen to provide periodically to meet with manufacturers, listen to their problems, respond to their inquiries, and find solutions for them, as they demonstrate the extent of fruitful and effective cooperation between the Chamber of Food Industries, the National Food Safety Authority, and the Central Laboratory for the Analysis of Pesticide Residues and Heavy Metals.
A training program under the title "Developing Personal and Life Skills"
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled “Developing Personal and Life Skills” in the presence of 31 member companies of the Chamber. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Enhancing Agricultural Business in the Egyptian Rural Project (ERAS) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The training program explained some important topics, including “time management skills, prioritizing skills, work organization skills, communication skills, creative thinking skills, teamwork skills, problem solving skills, personal intelligence skills, flexibility and adaptation skills, and planning skills”.
A workshop in cooperation with the Central Laboratory for Analysis of Pesticide Residues and Heavy Metals (QCAP) under the title "The Most Important Chemical Pollutants and Their Impact on the Food Industries"
The Chamber of Food Industries organized a workshop in cooperation with the Central Laboratory for Analysis of Pesticide Residues and Heavy Metals, under the title “The Most Important Chemical Pollutants and Their Impact on the Food Industries” in the presence of about 85 members of the Chamber. The organization of the workshop comes within the framework of qualifying and raising efficiency and exchanging experiences with producers and exporters in the field of food industries to comply with technical regulations and specifications for food safety locally and internationally, which contributes to the presence of products conforming to specifications locally, increasing exports and opening new markets in the food industry sector.
An initiative to train 50 companies within Sharkia Governorate on the basic requirements for food safety
The Chamber of Food Industries launched an initiative entitled “Training 50 Companies in Sharkia Governorate on the Basic Requirements for Food Safety” in cooperation with the National Food Safety Authority and the Food Control and Inspection Systems Support Project “TAIB” funded by the US Department of Agriculture, with the aim of qualifying companies on food safety requirements in accordance with Decree No. 11 of 2020. As a first phase, the initiative aims to train about 100 food safety, quality and production officials, including 2 trainees in food companies that are members of the chamber in the governorate, in 5 sectors: Dairy and its products, Meat factories, Juices, Frozen Fruit and Vegetable factories, and Sugar producing factories and their products, and the initiative started with the Dairy sector.
A workshop entitled: “The effective participation of the Industry in guiding and developing food regulatory decisions”
The Chamber of Food Industries held a workshop in cooperation with the Food Control and Inspection Support Systems Project (TAIB), funded by the US Department of Agriculture, entitled: “The effective participation of the industry in guiding and developing food regulatory decisions”, in the presence of Dr. Tarek Al-Houbi, Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority, and Professor Celine Melki, Director of the project, and a number of food factories, members of the chamber, and representatives from the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality.
“Primary Suppliers Approving and Monitoring (TOT) ” Program
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled: “Primary Suppliers Approving and Monitoring (TOT)” in the presence of 25 member companies of the Chamber, on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to support food control and inspection systems (TAIB), funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary goal of this training is to improve the ability of food industry companies to control approved suppliers, qualify the first supplier to be an effective member of the agricultural manufacturing value chain, increase the number of suppliers registered with the National Food Safety Authority, and implement an effective program to monitor the use of pesticides.
“Awareness of FSSC 22000” Program
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program under the title: “Awareness of FSSC 22000” in the presence of 40 chamber member companies, from Sunday 2 to Tuesday 4 June 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to promote agricultural business in the Egyptian Rural Area (ERAS), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The primary goal of this training is to qualify companies to obtain the FSSC 22000 certificate. This includes the basic concepts and terminologies that the company must know and all the requirements to obtain this certificate.
Egyptian Global Food Safety Symposium (EGFoSS) entitled: “Modernized Food Regulatory Systems as an Engine of Innovation and Investment in the Food Production Sector” in celebration of World Food Safety Day
The Chamber of Food Industries participated in organizing the scientific symposium held on the occasion of “World Food Safety Day 2024”, in cooperation with the National Food Safety Authority, the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), and its specialized organization in food regulatory sciences, the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS) under the title “Modernized Food Regulatory Systems as an Engine of Innovation and Investment in the Food Production Sector”. This was in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Dr. Ali Al-Moselhi, Dr. Tarek Al-Houbi, Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority, Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Food Industries, and a number of experts in the field of food safety, along with industrialists in the field of food and agricultural industries from Egypt and around the world emphasizing the cooperative and participatory nature of food safety solutions, indicating that “food safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli moderated the first session of the celebration, which discussed the exchange of various efforts and experiences that took place in the Arab region and around the world to address new trends in food production systems through regulatory methods, encouraging and managing food innovation, and absorbing the current development in food production. This is with the participation of Eng. Mahmoud Bazan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Food Industries, Eng. Hany Berzi, Chairman of the Food Export Council, Dr. Moez Sanaa, Head of the Standards and Scientific Advice Unit on Food at the World Health Organization, and Dr. Tasha Williams, Senior Market Access Advisor for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia at the New Zealand Ministry of Industries, Dr. Khaled Sofi, Chairman of the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, and Dr. Hussein Al-Masrouri, General Director of the Food Safety and Quality Center in the Sultanate of Oman.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli confirmed that the food industry sector has witnessed significant development and growth in recent years thanks to the country’s interest in developing, raising the level of quality, and supporting the food safety system, as it is considered one of the most vital economic sectors that contributes to the domestic product, provides job opportunities, and increases exports.
He added that the Chamber of Food Industries is proud to be a strategic partner of the National Food Safety Authority and the first to support the idea of establishing the authority and strongly supported the food safety file in Egypt, pointing to the joint work with the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality in many projects and issuing standard specifications and their compatibility with international specifications issued by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Dr. Tarek Al-Houbi, Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority, stated that this event is directly in line with the vision expressed through the strategy of the National Food Safety Authority for the period 2023-2026, which aims for the Authority to be a regional reference platform for everything related to the food safety system, based on evidence and scientific foundations in decision-making and plays a leading role in the Middle East and Africa by developing and implementing its food control programs in a way that serves the protection of the consumer’s health, and contributes to creating a suitable environment to improve the performance of the food and agricultural production sector in Egypt, and build confidence in Egyptian food products at the national and international levels.
Scientific Symposium entitled: “International Best Practices on the Review and Approval of Food Additives”
The Chamber of Food Industries organized a scientific symposium entitled “International Best Practices on the Review and Approval of Food Additives” with the participation of the World Health Organization, the National Food Safety Authority, the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), and a group of nutrition and industry experts and specialists in food safety, Eng. Mahmoud Bazan, Vice Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and Dr. Tarek Al-Houbi, Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority, Dr. Khaled Sofi, President of the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, Dr. Moez Sanaa, Head of the Standards and Scientific Advice Unit on Nutrition and Food at the World Health Organization, and Prof. Samuel Godefroy - Laval University, President-elect of IUFost and CEO of the Global Food Regulatory Science Society.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli confirmed that this symposium comes within the Chamber’s role in supporting the country’s directions in developing the industry and raising the competitiveness and quality of food products by supporting food safety and localizing modern technologies and trends in food manufacturing, which contributes to creating an environment conducive to the growth of the industry, enhancing the concept of sustainability, and providing safe and healthy food to consumers in various markets. He also explained that the Chamber, through this scientific symposium, shared international standards and legislation regulating the use of additives in food with experts and regulatory bodies concerned with food processing in Egypt and the Arab world.
The goal of the scientific symposium on the safety of using additives, as confirmed by Eng. Mahmoud Bazan during his speech, is to examine the efforts undertaken by the government, international experts, and the private sector—represented by the Chamber of Food Industries—to implement the most recent Codex Alimentarius Commission issues and international legislation, which serve as a guarantee for the safe use of food additives.
He also added that the safety of using additives for the purpose of preserving the properties of food products at all stages of their production constitutes the future of the food industry in light of the technological development in food production.
The Chamber’s Participation in Fi Africa & ProPak MENA
The Chamber of Food Industries participated as a strategic partner in the activities of the twelfth edition of the Fi Africa and ProPak MENA exhibition specialized in food and beverage manufacturing in Africa, which was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Supply, and Environment from May 26 to 28, 2024, where the two exhibitions hosted by Fi Africa and ProPak MENA bring together a large group of food and beverage manufacturing experts, including more than 350 companies from more than 20 countries, to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the Egyptian market, as well as to communicate with international suppliers.
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, participated in the Arab-African table to enable sustainable industrial development in the food packaging industry in order to reduce food loss and waste, which was held on the sidelines of the activities of the two exhibitions. He stated that the Chamber of Food Industries is working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Chamber of Printing and Packaging to explore ways to achieve sustainability in packaging materials and minimize waste and loss in the food industry sector. This is all a part of the Chamber's role to support sustainability in the food manufacturing sector, as it is essential to Egypt's export future.
The Chamber also participated in a session entitled “The Economic and Strategic Importance of Aromatic Plants in Egypt” where Dr. Reda Abdel Galil, General Director of Technical Affairs at the Chamber of Food Industries, gave a presentation on the economic importance of medicinal and aromatic plants, which is due to the increase in global demand for them annually by an amount ranging from 8 to 10%. It is also considered one of the most important means of raising incomes and improving living conditions, and is used as antifungals, antivirals, bacteria, growth regulators, and weed killers. He also added that the economic importance of medicinal and aromatic plants is due to the limited space they occupy in agriculture compared to other export crops, their heavy usage in the production process, their low water needs, their multiple uses for food, medicinal usage purposes, and the possibility of growing them in newly reclaimed lands and not being subject to import restrictions such as the quota or protection system and the Customs Authority. He proceeded to point out that Egypt is fifth in the world in exporting medicinal plants, oils and aromatic pastes, with exports worth more than $330 million in 2023, and it is expected to reach $400 million by the end of 2024.
Lastly, He also stressed the importance of developing an export strategy, paying attention to defining and classifying plants, combating overgrazing, preserving some species from extinction, and paying attention to scientific research in order to achieve the greatest possible benefit from the export of medical and aromatic products and open new markets for Egyptian products, especially since their export is open and not subject to the quota system.
“Developing Personal and Life Skills” Program
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled “Developing Personal and Life Skills” in the presence of 23 member companies of the Chamber, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to enhance agricultural businesses in the Egyptian countryside (ERAS), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where the training program explained some important topics, including “time management, prioritizing, organizing the work environment, communication skills, creative thinking, teamwork, problem solving, personal intelligence, flexibility and adaptation, and planning.”
A training program entitled “Enterprise Governance in accordance with the requirements of ISO 37000 2021 (ERAS)”
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled “Governance of Establishments in accordance with the Requirements of ISO 37000 2021 (ERAS)” on Monday and Tuesday, May 13 and 14, 2024, in the presence of 22 chamber member companies. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Enhancing Agricultural Business in the Egyptian Rural Area Project (ERAS) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The training program covered some important topics, including “the meaning of governance and its importance in sustainability for food industry companies, the organizational structure, tasks and responsibilities for food industry companies, and the concept of risk and compliance within the governance framework.”
The Chamber’s participation in the opening activities of the Export Management Certificate Program “EMCP”
The Chamber of Food Industries, headed by Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, participated in the opening activities of the launch ceremony of the Export Management Certification Program (EMCP) under the title “A Decisive Step towards Strengthening Export Capabilities in Egypt,” which was organized by the Egypt Trade and Export Development Project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This was in the presence of Eng. Ahmed Samir, Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Food Industries, and Laura Gonzalez, Director of the Economic Development Office at the United States Agency for International Development in Egypt, Rachid Benjelloun, Director of the Trade and Export Development Project in Egypt, funded by the United States Agency for International Development, and the Minister and Trade Commissioner, Yahya Al-Wathiq Billah, Head of the Commercial Representation, and a number of heads of export councils and representatives of industrial chambers.
As the Chamber is a strategic partner in many development programs that take place under sponsorship of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli began his speech by emphasizing the importance of the export management certificate program to support the growth and development of the food industries. This program is a complementary step to the Chamber's projects, which are carried out in partnership and cooperation with partners and international donors to implement 19 development programs and projects. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of using research and data analysis companies to study markets and competitors to determine what products can compete strongly, in addition to preparing competencies concerned with marketing within companies and qualifying them at the highest level to raise awareness for new products in order to achieve sustainable and more competitive growth in the country, obtaining good export shares. He added that it is expected that this program will contribute directly to improving the performance of Egyptian companies in exporting their products to international markets, as well as supporting companies in entering the export system, which contributes to creating a new generation of Egyptian exporters equipped with applied and scientific aspects of international markets, developing companies’ capabilities, and preserving the reputation and position of the Egyptian product in the international market.
“How to prepare documents to comply with the requirements of the National Food Safety Authority” Program
The Chamber of Food Industries held a training program entitled “How to prepare documents to comply with the requirements of the National Food Safety Authority,” in the presence of 29 chamber member companies, from Sunday, April 21 to Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Enhancing Agricultural Business in the Egyptian Rural Area Project (ERAS) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where the training program explained some important topics, including “the documents, records, and contracts required according to the updated inspection lists of the National Food Safety Authority.”
Workshop to discuss ways of cooperation between the private sector and the project to promote agricultural business in the Egyptian countryside (ERAS)
The Chamber of Food Industries participated in a workshop to discuss ways of cooperation between the private sector and the project to promote agricultural business in the Egyptian countryside (ERAS) - funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, with the aim of developing an action plan to achieve benefit for the parties concerned, in the presence of a number of the Chamber’s member companies, the Central Administration for Technical Education in Cairo, and leaders and teachers of agricultural technical education from various governorates, including Banha, Dakahlia, Sharkia, Damanhour, and Port Said.
Mrs. Reham Ghazi, General Manager of the Chamber’s Training Department, presented the joint services and activities provided by the Chamber in cooperation with the American project, within the framework of the Board of Directors’ directions and the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the competitive capabilities of the food and beverage sector in Egypt and foreign markets through its commitment to developing and growing member companies and representing their interests to the government, in addition to participating in policies that improve the business climate and create investment and export opportunities.
The Chamber of Food Industries' Chairman of the Board of Directors' Participation at the Cabinet's Conference
Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, President of the Chamber of Food Industries, participated in the Cabinet’s Conference headed by Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, where he reviewed the joint efforts to follow up and monitor the availability of food commodities in the markets, confirming the availability of all food commodities and their price’s gradual decline after giving the state priority in releasing all the goods, raw materials, and production requirements that Egyptian factories and markets need. Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli praised the government’s efforts and the results of the partnership and cooperation with the Chamber, the official representative of the private sector in the food manufacturing industry.
“Purchasing Management Skills” Program
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled: “Purchasing Management Skills” in the presence of 16 member companies of the Chamber, from Tuesday 21st to Thursday 23rd May 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to promote agricultural business in the Egyptian countryside (ERAS), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where the training program explained some important topics, including “an introduction to supply chain management, studying the characteristics of markets, the mechanism for selecting suppliers, the concept and incentives of contract farming, types and contents of agricultural contracts, risk management in contract farming, tools for contract farming analysis, tools for contract farming planning, tools for contract farming management”
“Food Safety Culture” Program
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program entitled: “Food Safety Culture” in the presence of 29 of the Chamber’s member companies, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 22 and 23, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to enhance agricultural businesses in the Egyptian countryside (ERAS), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where the training program explained some important topics, including “introducing food safety culture and mechanisms for positive change in the business environment, introducing tools for measuring food safety culture, measuring food safety culture, fundamentals and principles of behavioral change among workers in food establishments, and a plan for developing and improving food culture.”
General Assembly for the year of 2023
The Chamber of Food Industries organized the General Assembly meeting for the year of 2023, and the Board of Directors’ report was reviewed on the Chamber’s activities and services provided to members, including training, technical support, events, conferences, and development cooperation projects with various international bodies. It was noted that the noticeable development in the memberships was approximately 6-fold compared to 2016. The number of members in 2023 reached about 23 thousand companies and food establishments operating within the formal economy system, in addition to the automation of the Chamber’s services. At the end of the meeting, the results of the work of the Chamber’s Board of Directors were approved, headed by Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, and the budget and financial statements for the fiscal year ending on December 30th, 2023 were approved.
The Chamber of Food Industries’ Annual Iftar
The Chamber of Food Industries organized its Annual Iftar Ceremony, headed by Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and in the presence of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dr. Tarek Al Houbi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Food Safety Authority, Eng. Khaled Al Soufi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, and Dr. Amany Al Wesal, CEO of the Exports Support Fund, Eng. Ibrahim Al Segeny, Head of the Consumer Protection Agency, Major General Essam Al Naggar, Chairman of the General Authority for Control of Exports and Imports, Mr. Mohsen Al Beltagy, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Food Safety Authority, Mr. Ahmed Sherine Karim, Vice President of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, and a group of officials.
The honoring of the Chamber of Food Industries by the German Agency for International Cooperation(GIZ)
The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), honored the Chamber of Food Industries and the Board of Directors, headed by Eng. Ashraf El Gazayerli, for its efforts in supporting the industrial innovation competition. The honor was received by Mr. Mohamed Bashanfar, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, expressed his happiness at representing the Chamber of Food Industries at the Innovation Conference in honor and appreciation of its role in supporting the industrial innovation competition.
He stressed the Chamber’s full support for all initiatives that serve the industry and everything that supports the competitiveness of the Egyptian product, and that implementing new innovations in national products or services supports the competitiveness of the Egyptian product, creates job opportunities and enhances exports, and is considered one of the most important catalysts for sustainable economic development. He also stressed that the Chamber’s honoring reflects the great efforts it is making in supporting and developing the national industry, and he added that the Chamber continues its work seriously and sincerely to achieve sustainable development and economic growth in this sector, and a number of chamber member companies who won the award were also honored.
“Traceability and Recall Requirements in Food” Program
The Chamber of Food Industries organized a training program entitled (Traceability and Recall Requirements in Food) in the presence of 33 member companies of the Chamber, on Wednesday and Thursday, 28th and 29th of February, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Enhancing Agricultural Business in the Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening Project (ERAS), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where the training program explained some important topics, including: “The concept of traceability, elements of the traceability system, establishing a traceability system, traceability mechanisms in accordance with National Food Safety Authority Resolution No. 16/2022, recalls and withdrawals of products, tracking system review, global tracking systems.”
October Dry Port (ODP) Visit
The Chamber of Food Industries organized a visit by a delegation of chamber members to the October Dry Port to introduce the services and facilities provided by the port administration and the procedures for imports and exports to serve the industrial sector. A number of representatives of chamber member companies and a number of directors of the various agencies concerned with the release, analysis and control of food inside the port participated in the visit, represented by Dr. Heba Kandil, Director of the National Food Safety Authority branch, Engineer Hossam Shaker, Director of the Export and Import Control Authority, and Mr. Mohamed Ali, Director of the Tariff Department at the Customs Authority.
Port officials also gave a presentation on the most important features of the October Dry Port and the services provided by all bodies present within the port with regard to import and export shipments, facilitating customs procedures, the process of handling, filling and unloading containers, providing equipment suitable for all types of goods, and the possibility of issuing policies through shipping lines and their final destination at the October Dry Port, dealing with refrigerated containers, examining them and monitoring them. The port also provides goods storage services. They also explained that the port is distinguished by the speed of transporting containers to the inspection yard and completing procedures. In addition to the presence of a unified committee from all the regulatory authorities and to an integrated system for clearance, the October Dry Port is the closest port to the industrial zones. It is also the first dry port in Egypt linked to all ports inside Egypt via railway. The port officials explained that all the services provided are acceptable in Egyptian pounds.
The exit and entry gates also operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a handling and service capacity of 450,000 TEUs annually, a container storage yard capacity of 5,050 TEUs, and a customs warehouse on an area of 5,000 square meters.
Developing the Skills of Workers in the Agricultural Manufacturing Sector Program
The Chamber of Food Industries organized a training program to develop the professional skills of workers in the agricultural manufacturing sector, in cooperation with the Project to Promote Agricultural Business in the Egyptian Rural “ERAS” with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), targeting 20 trainees from member companies of the Chamber in one session. This comes within the framework of the Chamber’s role in supporting and developing workers in the sector, raising the efficiency of their performance and enhancing their professional skills in addition to technical skills, as the labor market has become very competitive and possessing technical skills has not become sufficient for excellence. This program comes within a group of diverse programs that are provided at no cost to the Chamber’s members. After identifying their training needs on the ground through questionnaires and field visits, the Chamber of Food Industries pointed out that it aims to provide many training programs through joint cooperation with international development agencies, and the annual plan is prepared for all available programs and announced monthly.
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Galal, Director of Food Safety and Nutrition at the ERAS Project, pointed to the strategic partnership with the Chamber of Food Industries, through which technical support programs are provided to agricultural manufacturing companies, pointing to the positive impact of these activities on production and export rates, adding that the next phase of the project will include linking manufacturers and the primary suppliers with the aim of improving and developing the value chain, pointing out that the project to promote agricultural businesses in the Egyptian countryside, “Feed the Future”, is being implemented in 17 governorates with the aim of encouraging and developing agricultural businesses, improving the value chain of horticultural crops, increasing productivity for small-scale farmers and food processors, improving the quality of agricultural exports, and increasing access to healthy food options to improve nutrition for women and children in rural areas.
Food traceability and recall requirements program
The Chamber of Food Industries presented a training program under the title (Traceability and Recall Requirements in Food) in Cairo Governorate, in the presence of 30 member companies of the Chamber, on Wednesday and Thursday, January 17 and 18, 2024. This comes in light of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the project to promote agricultural business in the countryside. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the training program explained some important topics, including:
“The concept of traceability, traceability principles, traceability system elements, traceability data, establishing a traceability system, traceability mechanisms in accordance with National Food Safety Authority Resolution No. 16/2022, traceability mechanisms for suppliers of fresh and/or dried products, traceability mechanisms in food manufacturing facilities, traceability mechanisms in storage facilities, tracking mechanisms in transportation facilities, tracking mechanisms in wholesale and retail facilities, tracking mechanisms in restaurant and catering facilities, recalls of products, review of the tracking system, global tracking systems.”
