Panasonic, one of the global leaders in technology, has expanded its presence in the Middle East and Africa region with the opening of the first TV manufacturing unit in Egypt. The Japanese manufacturer is collaborating with Arab Co. for Electrical Equipment to produce over 16,000 Panasonic LED televisions before the end of this year.
This factory promises a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit that will employ 200-250 personnel and further boost Egypt’s growing manufacturing sector.
According to industrial studies, Egypt has seen a burgeoning growth in all industrial sectors in the recent years, with manufacturing sector registering a 2.60 percent in April of 2017 over the same month in the previous year. The Planning Ministry of Egypt has set an annual growth target of 9 percent for manufacturing, increasing its share of GDP to 25 percent by 2020. The country has a growing population of people with disposable income and ambitious growth plans.
The facility is located at Mostorod, Cairo, and was inaugurated by Daizo Ito, managing executive officer for Panasonic Corporation, regional head India, South Asia, Middle East and Africa (ISAMEA) and other dignitaries, besides top executive from Panasonic.
Panasonic products have gained greater demand in Egypt, and the company’s decision to establish a manufacturing unit in the country has received a warm reception by the citizens and electronic dealers in the country. The factory will cater to the domestic market demand with high-end TVs, which are known for their crispier picture quality and dynamic wide viewing angle in addition to the trusted Japanese quality.
Daizo Ito said: “The Egyptian market is one of the most promising markets in the North Africa region. It is also well-positioned, both geographically and logistically, to serve the whole MENA region. We, as a global leader in technology and consumer product sector, aim to support this growth. Our locally based TV manufacturing unit reflects Panasonic’s ‘basic business philosophy’ of contribution to the society as it will provide various opportunities for Egyptian workforce to understand the Japanese craft and craftsmanship. It will open a new horizon for the market in terms of job creations and knowledge elevation.”
The TV business has been the cornerstone of Panasonic for nearly 60 years since the company started producing TVs. Panasonic had TV sets on the market by 1952, well in advance of NHK’s regular telecasts began in Japan. Panasonic’s first television factory was established in 1958 as a base for mass-producing TVs in Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan.
Panasonic’s TV Factory to bring momentum in Egypt’s Manufacturing Sector
Panasonic’s TV Factory to bring momentum in Egypt’s Manufacturing Sector
Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation
Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Middle East to receive a 7‑star Certified Innovative Organization rating from the Global Innovation Institute, the highest recognition awarded by the institute.
The accreditation marks a significant step in SAB’s innovation strategy and follows an innovation maturity assessment conducted by the institute in December 2025. The review, which built on an earlier assessment in December 2023, raised the bank’s maturity level from “Champion” to “Leader.” The new rating reflects SAB’s institutionalized approach to innovation, its enterprise-wide impact and its ability to consistently deliver measurable results.
With the 7‑star rating, SAB becomes the first bank in the region to reach the highest innovation maturity level, strengthening its position as a regional reference point for innovation-led and future-ready banking.
In 2025, the bank opened its flagship Innovation Centre and secured six internationally recognized innovation awards, along with a lab accreditation. The centre has supported SAB’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, encourage cross-functional collaboration and reinforce its standing as a regional leader in financial innovation.
Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB, said the recognition reflects years of focused work to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
“By investing in SAB’s culture, governance and talent, innovation enables the bank to remain future-ready,” he said. “This milestone reinforces our role in accelerating financial innovation in Saudi Arabia and delivering long-term value for our customers.”
The certification adds to SAB’s broader efforts to strengthen its innovation capabilities as the Kingdom’s banking sector continues to evolve.









