Egypt’s Minister of Industry, Khaled Hashem, has held talks with representatives of Austria-based RHI Magnesita to discuss the company’s plan to establish an integrated refractory manufacturing plant in Egypt, as part of the ministry’s strategy to deepen heavy industries and localize complementary industrial sectors.
The meeting was attended by Hakimuddin Ali, Regional President of RHI Magnesita for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Industry, including Mohamed Zada, Assistant Minister for Strategic Industries.
During the meeting, the company presented an overview of its global operations, which cover the manufacture of a full range of refractory products used in the steel, cement, aluminium, copper, and glass industries.
The discussions also covered the company’s recent acquisitions across Asia and its ongoing assessment of establishing a production facility in Egypt.
Hashem said the proposed investment is aligned with the Ministry of Industry’s updated Egypt Industry Strategy 2030, which places significant emphasis on developing the refractory industry as a key complementary sector supporting the building materials, metallurgical, engineering, and manufacturing industries, as well as national development projects.
He noted that the project would help meet growing domestic demand while positioning Egypt as a regional export hub serving Middle Eastern markets.
“The project is fully aligned with the ministry’s plan to transfer and localize advanced industrial technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian products in international markets,” Hashem said.
He added that Egypt has become an attractive destination for leading global companies operating in heavy industries that rely on advanced manufacturing technologies.
For his part, Hakimuddin Ali said RHI Magnesita considers Egypt one of the most important markets in the Middle East, citing the country’s abundant reserves of high-purity raw materials used in refractory production.
He added that the company operates an integrated business model covering the entire value chain, from raw materials to finished products, while also providing recycling services and digital solutions tailored to the needs of industrial customers.
