On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Ahmed Rustam, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, held a meeting with representatives of international financial institutions and rating agencies to discuss Egypt's economic performance and the National Economic Transformation Program. The meeting, coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was attended by high-ranking officials from various institutions, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
During the meeting, Minister Rustam emphasized the government's commitment to continuous communication and exchange of experiences with international financial institutions and credit rating agencies. He highlighted that despite the global economic slowdown and regional geopolitical tensions, Egypt's economy has shown resilience, with a growth rate of 5.1% at the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The minister also mentioned that the country's economic indicators remain positive for the current fiscal year.
The National Economic Transformation Program was prepared based on existing sectoral strategies, industrial development strategies, and the national employment strategy. The program aims to accelerate economic growth, shift the economy from consumption to production, export, and investment, and enhance the business environment. Minister Rustam stressed that the program is being implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, and other ministries to address global variables.
The program also focuses on supporting entrepreneurship, start-ups, and high-growth companies to enhance their competitiveness. Minister Rustam announced that efforts are underway to develop legal and legislative frameworks for commercial arbitration to improve the investment environment and protect investors' rights. The program also includes structural reforms outlined in the "State Ownership Policy Document" and the government divestment program to make way for the private sector to lead growth.
The minister emphasized the importance of innovative financing tools, long-term financing, and diversification of funding sources to facilitate the expansion of national and private sector projects. He also highlighted the need to expand the tax base electronically. The meeting with international financial institutions and rating agencies aimed to discuss the program's features and enhance cooperation to support Egypt's economic transformation.
The Egyptian government is committed to implementing the National Economic Transformation Program to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the business environment. The program's implementation will be closely monitored, and the government will continue to engage with international financial institutions and rating agencies to ensure its success. The meeting with Minister Rustam demonstrates the government's commitment to transparency and cooperation with international partners.
Key points
- The National Economic Transformation Program aims to accelerate economic growth and shift the economy from consumption to production, export, and investment.
- The program focuses on supporting entrepreneurship, start-ups, and high-growth companies to enhance their competitiveness.
- The Egyptian government is committed to implementing structural reforms to improve the business environment and enhance cooperation with international financial institutions.
