6 - Strategic Pillars and Executive Work Programs 6.5 ICT Industry Development Table 6.5: ICT Industry Development – Primary Programs The primary strategic objectives of this axis are: Increasing annual revenues from outsourcing exports from $1.3 billion to $2.5 billion, and from intellectual property to $1 billion Attracting more foreign investment through marketing and promotion of Egyptian ICT activities and exports, participation in regional and international exhibitions, and organization of trade missions Increasing the number of outsourcing professionals, with the aim of creating 75,000 direct job opportunities and 220,000 indirect job opportunities. As well as contributing by 80% of the training cost of Egyptian university graduates on Soft Skills programs Establishing technology parks in various governorates, especially those where the key elements of industry are available Raising the ability of Egyptian companies to develop the IT industry through the implementation of capacity-building programs and the provision of necessary infrastructure 52 53 Support of MSMEs: Raising the performance and competitiveness of MSMEs by helping them identify new marketing and production opportunities, and supporting MSMEs outside of Egypt’s main cities with the aim of creating job opportunities in these communities Expanding the range of training programs available to Egyptian companies with the aim of raising competitiveness in software and IT services, improving management and marketing practices, and promoting adherence to internationally recognized quality standards Promoting the use of global consultancy firms by Egyptian companies seeking to enter foreign markets Developing and supporting MSMEs working in the fields of software, value-added services and internet economy, making use of Egypt’s technical experience in these fields Main Programs Outsourcing Industry Table 6.5: ICT Industry Development – Primary Programs MCIT seeks to boost Egypt’s global ICT competitiveness by developing the outsourcing services industry, raising IT service exports and attracting foreign investment, thereby promoting sector growth and creating new job opportunities. Development Program Executive Programs IT Export Promotion Program Technology Zone Development Program ICT Industry Capacity Building Program Aims A group of nine projects designed to increase Egyptian ICT exports by: Promoting the ICT exports of Egyptian companies Enhancing call center services Promoting foreign direct investment Supporting Egyptian participation in international exhibitions Supporting the participation of Individual companies in exhibitions and events Using foreign consultancy firms to assist in the execution of the strategy up to 2020 Branding Egypt Establishing a photo library for ITIDA in cooperation with Smart Villages Company Subsidizing business trips for ICT companies Creating a supportive environment for the development of the national ICT industry and Egypt’s international reputation in ICT services through a public-private partnership Raising ICT industry capacity by developing the skills of university students and those employed in the industry, and creating a favorable climate for investment Providing training, consultation and evaluation to achieve international quality standards Developing a world-class ICT industry that drives national economic growth ICT Company Development Program ICTs for MSMEs Program Supporting MSME development and capacity building through the use of ICT tools and applications and the creation of an environment conducive to their growth