Egypt, Hungary boost tech ties focused on AI, IT offshoring
CAIRO, EGYPT — The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) recently hosted the Egyptian-Hungarian Business Forum in Cairo, aiming to bolster collaboration and joint ventures in the ICT sector.
The event brought together 19 leading Egyptian ICT companies, 13 Hungarian firms, and prominent Hungarian academic institutions.
High-level collaboration to drive digital transformation
The forum was led by Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, and Hungarian Minister for National Economy, Marton Nagy.
The primary objective was to foster partnerships and facilitate substantial bilateral projects and investments in the ICT sector.
In his opening remarks, Talaat emphasized the importance of collaboration between Egyptian and Hungarian private-sector companies. He highlighted that these partnerships are crucial for successfully implementing ICT projects in both countries.
Talaat also announced a planned cooperation agreement covering several fields, including Generative Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Blockchain.
Egypt’s AI and digital strategy in focus
Talaat detailed Egypt’s efforts to promote AI, including the establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence and the launch of The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence.
This strategy focuses on building digital capabilities, creating innovative AI solutions, achieving international leadership, and setting up an AI governance framework.
The minister also mentioned Egypt’s citizen-centered strategy, which aims to provide distinguished government services through a single platform, leveraging AI to enhance these services.
He noted ongoing efforts to attract international companies to invest in Egypt and leverage its competitive advantages, including professional talent and expanding offshoring centers.
Hungary’s vision for AI and digital transformation
Meanwhile, Nagy stressed the importance of cooperation in ICT due to its significant contribution to GDP growth, job creation, and digitization.
He highlighted areas of cooperation, including private-sector partnerships, academic collaboration, and the adoption of modern technologies like blockchain and AI.
Nagy outlined Hungary‘s AI strategy, adopted in 2020, which aims to increase AI’s contribution to GDP by 15%, boost SME productivity by 26%, and create one million new AI-related jobs by 2030. He also reviewed the success stories of Hungarian companies in AI and the country’s efforts to support AI-based projects and awareness programs.
Boosting Egypt’s IT offshoring and innovation
ITIDA CEO Ahmed ELZaher stated, “This business forum aligns with ITIDA’s strategy to foster growth, expand market opportunities for Egyptian companies, and drive innovation in the IT sector.”
He emphasized that the forum serves as an ideal platform to showcase Egypt’s capabilities in exporting IT services and highlighted the extensive experience of Egyptian IT companies in the European market.
The forum featured a comprehensive review of the competitive advantages of the Egyptian ICT sector, including highly qualified talent, competitive business costs, and advanced infrastructure. These strengths solidify Egypt’s position as a leading regional hub in Information Technology and an attractive destination for global service centers.
The event also highlighted ITIDA’s support for local companies, especially SMEs, by creating exceptional networking and partnership opportunities. Bilateral meetings between Egyptian and Hungarian companies were held to explore opportunities and build fruitful partnerships.
