Within the Series of Meetings Held by H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat with Development Partners Following the Merger of the Ministries of Planning, Economic Development, & International Cooperation: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, & International Cooperation Discusses Ongoing Structural Reforms with the EU Ambassador within the Framework of the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA)

 We are working on public investment spending to enhance macroeconomic stability & support policies aimed at empowering the private sector.

We are advancing structural reforms in collaboration with international partners to improve the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.

 

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, Ambassador Christian Berger. This is the first meeting since the merger of the portfolios of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. The discussions covered several joint issues including the key areas of cooperation in the upcoming period, and the implementation of the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA), along with the ongoing structural reforms under the MFA in coordination with relevant entities.

 

Al-Mashat emphasized the significant and pivotal development in the relationship between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Union, with direct support from H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. This reflects the close and historical relations between the two sides and their commitment to enhancing development based on shared priorities and interests.

 

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat explained that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation will continue to strengthen joint relations with multilateral and bilateral development partners to support the state's developmental vision, achieving integration and coordination between these partnerships and the state’s investment plan. This approach aims to make the operational mechanism more efficient and effective, thereby enhancing macroeconomic stability. The Minister added that tools in the planning, economic development, and international cooperation sectors will be utilized to implement directives related to continuing the economic reform path, with a focus on health, education, and industrial development.

 

Al-Mashat affirmed the ministry’s ongoing efforts and role, particularly regarding the governance of public investments and monitoring the implementation of the investment plan across governorates, as well as the ministry’s role in coordinating and achieving integration with ministries and state institutions. This aims to enhance inclusive growth, achieve economic development goals, and support the Government of Egypt’s efforts to stabilize the macroeconomy and achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

 

The Minister also discussed the MFA, noting that the first tranche was signed with the European Union during the Egyptian-European Investment Conference. h.e. confirmed that, in coordination with national stakeholders, numerous structural reform measures are being implemented under this tranche, which aim to enhance private sector participation in development, promote the transition to a green economy, and support macroeconomic stability.

 

Ambassador Christian Berger congratulated Minister Rania Al-Mashat on her appointment as Minister of Planning in addition to International Cooperation, wishing her success in the newly assigned responsibilities.

 

It is noteworthy that over the past years, under the Team Europe initiative, investments and financing amounting to $12.8 billion have been mobilized for the public and private sectors from European countries and institutions. During her participation in the Egyptian-European Association Council last January, Minister Al-Mashat presented details of the Egyptian partnership with European countries and institutions from 2020 to 2024.