H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat Meets with Labor Minister to Discuss Employment, Vocational Training, and Collaborative Initiatives to Drive Economic Growth
06 October 2024
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: Maximizing resources and partnerships to drive sustainable employment and vocational training, while fostering inclusive economic development
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Gibran: We are keen to cooperate with all partners to create decent work environments for the benefit of work and production
H.E. Dr. Rania A.
Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International
Cooperation, welcomed Labor Minister H.E. Mohamed Gibran to the ministry’s
headquarters in the New Administrative Capital to discuss joint initiatives and
priorities for the government including investing in human capital. The
discussions revolved around investing in the human capital and creating job
opportunities for youth, through the Economic and Social Development Plan for
2024-2027, aiming to enhance employment and productivity, and develop human
capital. They also discussed national strategies for cooperation between Egypt
and development partners, most notably the United Nations, the European Union
and the USA.
During the meeting,
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat underscored the importance of employment and human capital development
as fundamental pillars for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
She pointed out that creating more jobs, especially for the youth, is a key
priority for the government, as it not only improves livelihoods but also
boosts productivity, economic resilience, increases competitiveness, advances
national industries and attracts investments in relevant vital sectors. H.E
also pointed to the necessity of vocational training, providing high-quality
employment services and supporting the private sector in order to create job
opportunities that keep pace with the rapid developments in the national and
global labor market.
Al-Mashat reviewed
the role played by the Ministry in supporting the state's development efforts
and working to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic development. The
Minister also noted the United Nation SDGs that support achieving social
justice and providing comprehensive job opportunities. Al-Mashat also discussed
managing public spending at the level of the governorates of the Republic, in
addition to linking the public spending plan with bilateral and multilateral
international partnerships, and working to stimulate private sector
participation.
Al-Mashat
highlighted the cooperation with the European Union in supporting digital
transformation, explaining that investments in mechanization projects and
digital infrastructure are necessary to facilitate the transition to a digital
economy, and provide public services to all, including employment, in addition
to the Egyptian government's keenness to enhance the expansion of secure
digital services, through relevant national platforms such as the Egypt Digital
Portal, Khadamat Misr, and others.
On his part, H.E.
Mohamed Gibran, Minister of Labor, outlined the key initiatives undertaken by
the Ministry of Labor to modernize the country’s labor services and create a
more efficient and responsive labor market. He mentioned that one of the
ministry’s top priorities is upgrading labor offices across Egypt to ensure they
are equipped with the necessary digital tools and technologies to meet the
needs of citizens and businesses. These upgrades are part of a broader strategy
to digitalize the country’s labor services, improve service delivery, and
ensure that citizens can access their employment-related rights as guaranteed
by the constitution and law.
H.E. Gibran also
provided insights into the Ministry of Labor’s ongoing efforts to improve
vocational training programs, particularly through the “training for
employment” initiative. This initiative aims to provide workers with the
necessary skills to meet the demands of both local and international labor
markets. As the global labor market continues to evolve, Egypt needs a
workforce that is not only well-trained but also adaptable to the changing
needs of employers both at home and abroad. The vocational training programs
are designed to address this by offering workers the opportunity to learn new
skills and improve their employability.
The minister also
underscored the importance of creating a balanced labor environment, where the
rights of both employers and employees are protected. He highlighted the
National Occupational Safety and Health Strategy, launched in 2023, which aims
to improve working conditions across various industries and ensure the safety
and well-being of workers. This strategy is part of a broader effort to promote
a culture of safety and responsibility in the workplace, ensuring that
employers adhere to regulations and that workers are aware of their rights and
responsibilities.
H.E. Gibran
reiterated the Ministry of Labor’s commitment to working closely with all
stakeholders, including the private sector and international partners, to
achieve its goals. He emphasized that creating a conducive environment for
labor requires collaboration, not only between government entities but also
with the private sector and civil society. The ministry is also playing an
active role in the presidential initiative “A New Beginning for Human
Development,” which seeks to create new job opportunities, promote occupational
safety, and raise awareness about the importance of human capital development
in achieving Egypt’s long-term goals.