CAIRO, May 1 (MENA) - Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi stressed the importance of integrated action in bringing about momentum leap in mineral wealth sector to achieve the goal of the State and the ministry to up mining sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 5.5% to 6% within the coming period.

The minister of petroleum pointed out that the House of Representatives’ recent approval of all articles of a draft law transforming the Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) from a service body into an economic body under the name “Mineral Wealth and Mining Industries Authority” is a solid start to lure investments in this vital sector.

In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Wealth said Badawi welcomed a delegation representing the General Trade Union of Mines, Quarries, Salinas and Energy Workers of Egypt (GTU MASEW), extending his greetings and appreciation to workers in the Egyptian mining sector on the occasion of Labor Day.

He said human energy is the real wealth and the main driver for achieving the six basic axes of the ministry’s current strategy, including developing a national strategy to localize mining industries, opening new horizons to attract investments, creating partnerships, and benefiting from Egypt’s strategic location.

He noted that Egypt's possession of robust infrastructure of ports, road networks, transportation and airports makes the country a regional hub for mining industries.

Badawi invited members of the Union's delegation to participate in preparations for Egypt International Mining Forum, scheduled to be held in July, saying it is a good opportunity to promote available investment opportunities in the Egyptian mining sector.

In this regard, the minister of petroleum called on the delegation to work out new and diverse proposals and ideas envisaging development of all mining activities and work on studying them during the conference activities. (MENA )

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