How is Toshiba El-Araby’s current partnership with Sharp Electronics beneficial to your group?
It began when I wanted to export our products and Toshiba was not ready for it. I arranged an agreement with Sharp, and Toshiba didn’t oppose this agreement. I wanted to make a factory for air conditioners under Toshiba’s name, but Toshiba told me that they have already agreed on this with Miraco Carrier, so I went to Sharp.What are your future plans? I’m focusing on increasing the locally manufactured components in our products. For example, we are now producing a washing machine, but its motor is imported. We have a five-year plan that started in 2006 to produce this motor, as well as the compressor of the fridge and air conditioner, in addition to establishing a factory for stoves in Egypt. I know it is really difficult to make a product that will be 100% made in Egypt, but if we could reach 90%, it would be a very good accomplishment. What do you believe is necessary for Egypt’s development? I believe that friendship develops nations, bad manners and behaviors never do. In politics
