Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has welcomed scientists and experts taking part in a conference that kicked off in the Red Sea city of Hurghada earlier Wednesday.

In his speech in the "Egypt Can" conference, Sherif thanked all migrant brainpowers who accepted the invitation to participate in the event. 

This conference aims to serve Egypt's interests, the premier said, voicing confidence in the Egyptian people's awareness of challenges facing their country in this critical stage of its history. 

Taking part in this gathering, Egyptian brainpowers are sending a clear message about the need for all to unite to outline effective policies and reach successful solutions to chronic and old problems, Ismail noted. 

Egypt, he added, is facing the threat of terrorism, which recently targeted the Boutroseya Church and left scores of people dead and wounded. 

Such attacks will only make Egyptians more firm on uprooting terrorism, Ismail stressed.

He told participants his government sees in this conference a chance to benefit from their valuable contributions to mega projects, atop of which the Suez Canal Corridor.

"We're looking forward to turning the Suez Canal zone into a hub of advanced and modern industries to meet the needs of the local, neighboring and international markets," Ismail said. 

Hopefully, the Suez Canal zone would secure thousands of jobs for youth, he added.

This conference, the first of its kind, is meant to create a positive interaction between scientists and Egyptian youth on the one hand, and officials tasked with running the national projects on the other, the premier made it clear.

Source: MENA