Dr. Ahmed Rustom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, recently held a meeting with representatives of financial institutions and major rating agencies in Egypt. The meeting, coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, saw high-level participation from leaders and representatives of various international organizations. These included the United Nations, the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the African Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the European Union, the International Labor Organization, the Japanese Agency, the Swiss Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank Group.
The meeting aimed to discuss Egypt's macroeconomic developments and current performance indicators. Dr. Rustom highlighted that despite the slowdown in global growth and regional geopolitical tensions, the Egyptian economy has shown remarkable resilience. The economy achieved a growth rate of 5.1% by the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year. He also noted that positive indicators continue 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 National Economic Transformation Program aims to accelerate growth and shift the economy's reliance from consumption to production, export, and investment. Dr. Rustom emphasized that the program is designed to enhance the business environment and protect investors' rights. The program also targets comprehensive support for entrepreneurship, start-ups, and high-growth projects to boost their competitiveness. Furthermore, the program includes efforts to improve the legal and regulatory frameworks for commercial arbitration.
Dr. Rustom announced ongoing coordination to develop the legal and legislative frameworks for commercial arbitration. This aims to improve the investment environment and protect investors' rights. He also stressed that the program involves targeting comprehensive support for entrepreneurship, start-ups, and high-growth projects. This will enhance their competitiveness and contribute to the growth of the Egyptian economy.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr. Rustom discussed the government's efforts to implement structural reforms. These are included in the "State Ownership Policy Document" and the public offering program. The goal is to make room for the private sector to lead growth. The government is also working on expanding innovative long-term financing tools, diversifying funding sources, and enhancing liquidity. This will facilitate the expansion of national and private projects and broaden the tax base electronically.
The Egyptian government is taking various measures to enhance economic growth and development. These measures include increasing production, providing petroleum products, and improving the business environment. The government is also focusing on human capital investment as a primary priority. This includes initiatives such as the "100 Million Learners" program and the development of the education and training sector.
The meeting with financial institutions and rating agencies reflects the government's commitment to continuous communication and exchange of experiences and visions. This aims to support Egypt's economic development and transformation. The National Economic Transformation Program is a key initiative in this regard. It aims to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the standard of living for Egyptian citizens.
Key points
- The Egyptian economy achieved a growth rate of 5.1% by the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
- The National Economic Transformation Program aims to shift the economy's reliance from consumption to production, export, and investment.
- The program targets comprehensive support for entrepreneurship, start-ups, and high-growth projects to boost their competitiveness.
