Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Meets AFD’s North Africa Regional Director to Discuss the Future of Egyptian-French Relations
10 September 2025
Al-Mashat Reviews the Framework and Principles of “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience” to Strengthen Policies Supporting Growth and Employment
Al-Mashat: Cairo Is Committed to Advancing the Egyptian-French Partnership to Expand Development Fields within the Framework of the Strategic Partnership with the European Union
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of
Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, welcomed Mrs.
Cécile D’Couprie, Regional Director for North Africa at the French Development
Agency (AFD), to the Ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital
to discuss prospects for enhancing future cooperation.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat
highlighted the long-standing partnership between Egypt and France, which has
played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, advancing development
across multiple sectors, and creating new opportunities for the Egyptian
economy. She stressed that, with its expanding economy and commitment to
providing a favorable investment climate, Egypt remains open to new
partnerships and foreign investments that drive innovation, stimulate economic
growth, and promote sustainable development.
Dr. Al-Mashat also emphasized the strength of
Egyptian-French relations within the framework of the broader Egypt–European
Union strategic partnership. She noted that this partnership has significantly
supported development in key sectors such as transport, health, energy,
education, and housing. France has also been instrumental in expanding
opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, improving market access,
and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The discussions further underscored that
President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt in April 2025 reflected the depth
and importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries and
reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and
sustainable development. The visit injected new momentum into expanding
collaboration in priority areas, particularly energy and transport, while
reaffirming both nations’ determination to deepen bilateral ties, attract fresh
investment, and enhance stability and prosperity for their peoples.
Dr. Al-Mashat also reviewed the Ministry's
launch of “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs
& Resilience”, a comprehensive framework that integrates the government’s
work program for 2024/2025–2026/2027 with Egypt’s Vision 2030. This framework
responds to the rapid shifts brought about by regional and international
developments and seeks to advance an economic model grounded in macroeconomic
stability, increased productivity, and greater integration into global markets.
Building on Egypt’s modernized infrastructure, it redefines the state’s role in
the economy, strengthens competitiveness, and fosters private sector
participation—continuing the path of economic reform.
She reiterated that the government is
committed to ensuring an attractive investment environment by removing barriers
for investors and enabling the private sector to play a central role in
implementing development plans. The state is keen to expand public–private
partnerships in areas that support sustainable growth, including the green
transition, transport, health, and education. The objective is to create a
dynamic ecosystem that allows international partners and the private sector to
actively contribute to Egypt’s development vision while capitalizing on the
country’s growing market and competitive advantages.
Dr. Al-Mashat noted that Egypt has made
significant progress in implementing structural reforms aligned with its
partnership framework with the European Union. These reforms aim to enhance
economic stability, boost competitiveness, and foster inclusive and sustainable
growth. Key measures have included improving the investment climate, promoting
good governance, supporting private sector development, and accelerating green
and digital transformations. She affirmed that these steps underscore Egypt’s
commitment to deepening cooperation with the European Union and to providing a
favorable environment for strategic development partners, thereby securing
long-term prosperity and resilience for the Egyptian economy.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the
future of Egyptian-French relations and expressed their mutual commitment to
broadening the scope of cooperation across priority sectors, particularly
health, education, and infrastructure. This reflects their shared determination
to elevate bilateral relations, attract greater investment, and ensure that the
partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits for both nations.