LEGISLATION WATCH- House passes law granting IDA autonomy from Trade and Industry Ministry: The House of Representatives gave its final nod yesterday to legislation that gives the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) autonomy from the Trade and Industry Ministry, according to a ministry statement. MPs had signed off on the act back in January and sent it to the Council of State for a final review. The law grants the agency financial and administrative independence from the ministry and make it responsible for allocating land to investors for industrial purposes and awarding industrial permits and licenses.

The House general assembly also approved yesterday the Public Procurement Act. Products with at least 40% domestic content will now get priority in government tenders over competing products with less domestic input. The law now includes Egyptian-made tech products and software among the categories granted preferential treatment, the head of the Federation of Egyptian Industries’ ICT division, Tamer Mohamed, tells Youm7. Trade and Industry Minister Tarek Kabil also the legislation as necessary to support the growth and development of domestic industry, according to a statement. He noted that the law would impose specific quality standards for local products.

The House Local Administration Act approved on Tuesday the Shopping Centers Act, which would simplify licensing procedures for shopping malls and nightclubs, Youm7 reports. Hotels and tourism facilities have been excluded from the legislation, according to the newspaper. This is the first we’ve heard of this law and the only draft out there is not legible (thanks, Al Shorouk). We’ll be back with more details as they emerge.

The House of Representatives’ general assembly is now in recess until 3 June, Ahram Gate reports. We believe House committees will still meet during the recess to discuss pressing legislation, including the FY2018-19 state budget.