Egypt Daily News – President El-Sisi has directed the launch of a unified government retail chain under the name “Carry On,” to be established in partnership with the private sector. The initiative aims to create the first national retail brand as part of Egypt’s broader efforts to develop the domestic trade sector, stabilize markets, and ensure the availability of essential goods at affordable prices, particularly for citizens who benefit from government subsidies.
The announcement came during a meeting between President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa El-Din Farouk, and Colonel Dr. Bahaa El-Ghannam, Executive Director of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority.
Presidential Spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that the meeting emphasized the availability of Egypt’s strategic reserves of key commodities, including wheat, sugar, cooking oil, meat, and poultry. He described the country’s food security situation as stable and reassuring.
The discussions included an overview of current procurement contracts, such as the purchase of 3.4 million tons of wheat, 192,000 tons of raw cooking oils, 4,000 tons of frozen poultry, and 6,000 tons of frozen meat. Officials also reiterated Egypt’s ongoing efforts to diversify wheat import sources to maintain adequate supply and avoid disruptions.
The president stressed the importance of full coordination among all agencies involved in food security to ensure alignment with national policies. This includes collaboration with the Future of Egypt authority to designate target agricultural areas within the New Delta Project to enhance self-sufficiency in strategic crops.
The meeting also addressed efforts to maintain the steady operation of bakeries, mills, and markets. Updates were shared on the progress of the “One-Day Markets” project, which launched its first phase in November 2024 with 200 markets and began a second phase in May 2025 with over 200 additional markets.
According to the spokesperson, the meeting reviewed plans to foster investment partnerships with the private sector in the retail trade sector. Progress was presented on the establishment of retail outlets in Obour, Nasr City, and Qalyub, along with preparations by the Ministry of Supply to launch the new “Carry On” chain.
The meeting also covered ongoing efforts to refine databases of subsidy recipients to ensure accurate targeting and fair distribution based on established criteria.
Regarding market regulation, officials reviewed the development of the commodities exchange and its role in price stabilization and balancing interests between producers and consumers. Registration of exporters and importers has begun in preparation for activating the exchange as a unified window for trade. A draft law is being prepared to govern the exchange, drawing on international models.
Additionally, the session reviewed policies for the cultivation and supply of strategic goods, digital transformation, and cost-saving initiatives in the agricultural sector. Discussions included the status of fertilizer production, especially nitrates and urea and proposed balanced reforms to protect farmers while safeguarding food security.
Efforts to improve arable land and expand the use of agricultural mechanization were also discussed, with a focus on increasing red meat and dairy productivity. The president emphasized the importance of improving local livestock breeds to boost output and deliver better economic returns.
