Prime Minister Essam Sharaf will conclude the cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, said a government source on Wednesday, adding that the remaining changes would involve the Trade and Industry Ministry and the Antiquities Ministry.
The source, who requested anonymity, said that all economic ministers would continue in their positions, with the exception of the trade and industry minister, after Ahmad Fikri Abdel Wahab declined to accept the nomination.
The source added that Sharaf decided to abolish the Antiquities Ministry while keeping the Supreme Council of Antiquities, which will be put under the direct control of the cabinet.
The source revealed that Managing Director of the Economic Research Forum Ahmed Galal has been nominated to head the Trade and Industry Ministry instead of Fikri. The swearing in ceremony is expected to take place early next week, the source said.
In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance Hazem Beblawi met with the deputy prime minister for political development and democratic affairs at the cabinet on Wednesday to set a plan for government action in the near term.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
