On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Egyptian Minister of Local Development and Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, New Valley Governor, Hanen Magdy, and Major General Amr Abdel Monem, head of the Saeed Development Authority, inaugurated a handicraft complex in Merzouk village, Belat center. The complex was opened as part of Dr. Manal Awad's visit to New Valley Governorate to follow up on developmental and service projects being implemented in the governorate.
The complex serves as a model for gathering service and handicraft activities in an organized and equipped operational environment within villages. This aims to improve the quality of services provided to citizens, provide real job opportunities for young people and craftsmen, and achieve sustainable economic returns. The complex will support local economic development and achieve Egypt's sustainable development vision.
The newly opened complex serves the Belat center and neighboring areas. It was built on a total area of approximately 1,000 square meters and consists of 10 handicraft units, with an average area of 28 square meters per unit. The activities within the complex vary and include fields such as knitwear and knitting, tailoring and clothing design, blacksmithing, aluminum and glasswork, and carpentry.
In addition to the aforementioned activities, the complex also offers car mechanics and electrical services, tire maintenance and repair, and motorcycle mechanics. Dr. Manal Awad and Hanen Magdy inspected the complex and listened to a presentation on its infrastructure. The complex was fully equipped to ensure operational stability and worker safety.
The complex features a dedicated electric transformer to support the electrical power supply, a main control room, and a separate water line and sewage system for each handicraft unit. It also includes a comprehensive fire protection and safety unit, and separate restrooms for men and women. Governor Hanen Magdy stated that the establishment of the complex aligns with the governorate's efforts to support handicraft and productive activities.
Major General Amr Abdel Monem, head of the Saeed Development Authority, emphasized that the implementation of the handicraft complex in Merzouk village is part of the authority's efforts to support productive and handicraft projects. The authority aims to provide a suitable environment for craftsmen, enabling them to develop their activities and enhance their contribution to the local economy.
The Saeed Development Authority is working to implement developmental projects that respond to citizens' needs and invest in available economic resources in each governorate. The authority's efforts are integrated with state institutions and executive agencies in governorates to support sustainable development, expand local production, and enhance the participation of small project owners and craftsmen in economic activity.
Key points
- The complex was built on a total area of approximately 1,000 square meters and consists of 10 handicraft units.
- The complex offers various activities, including knitwear and knitting, tailoring and clothing design, blacksmithing, aluminum and glasswork, and carpentry.
- The establishment of the complex aligns with the governorate's efforts to support handicraft and productive activities.
