Egypt made great leaps in the field of engineering industries in the past years, Minister of Trade and Industry Mounir Fakhri Abdel Nour said Sunday.

During his visit to Alexandria governorate, Abdel Nour said the Egyptian industry can compete in the international market thanks to its competitive capabilities.

The ministry is keen to provide every possible support for the sector of engineering industries in Egypt, he said.

On the sidelines of his visit, Abdel Nour inaugurated a factory for manufacturing and assembling solar panels at a total cost of 22 million pounds.

The factory will produce 120,000 solar panels a year and the figure is expected to increase to 240,000 panels after installing new machinery.

The factory will also provide 275 job opportunities for youths.

The project includes another factory for manufacturing metal structures at a total cost of 45 million pounds.

In statements, Abdel Nour called for developing the industry of solar panels in Egypt to diversify sources of energy, and supporting the national industries to reduce imports.

He further inspected a development project in Gheit El Enab district in Alexandria.

The project aims at building a residential complex made up of 1,700 houses and other facilities to serve citizens.

Alexandria Governor Hany el Messiry accompanied the minister on his visit.