Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ahmed Rastom, recently met with Karim Daho, Deputy Director of Global Relations and Cooperation at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first edition of the El Alamein-Africa 2026 forum in El Alamein city. The discussion focused on future cooperation prospects and updates on joint programs between Egypt and the OECD.
The meeting was attended by Tamer Mustafa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Economic Affairs, and officials from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, including Dr. Kamal Nassar, Dr. Tarek El-Shaarawi, and Dr. Heba Youssef. The agenda included preparations for the OECD's Ministerial Conference for the Middle East and North Africa region, scheduled to take place in the new administrative capital. The conference will be attended by the OECD's Secretary-General and delegations from member countries.
Dr. Ahmed Rastom emphasized that hosting the international conference in the new capital reflects the depth of Egypt's partnership with the OECD and supports the roadmap for enhancing stability and economic growth in the region. Both parties reviewed the outcomes of the first phase of the national program and discussed priorities for the second phase. The new phase will focus on improving the business environment, enhancing competitiveness, and developing the national accounts system.
The second phase of the program aims to build on the successes of the first phase and address key development challenges in Egypt. Dr. Rastom highlighted the importance of focusing on the quality of growth, deepening industrialization, and enhancing government performance over the next three years. The OECD has expressed its commitment to providing technical and institutional support to Egypt and the African continent.
Dr. Rastom also discussed the issue of start-ups, emphasizing the need for a stronger regional dimension to entrepreneurship. This would enable Egyptian and African start-ups to access markets, capital, talent, and technology across the continent. The OECD will adapt its policies to align with the specific needs and characteristics of African economies.
Karim Daho praised Egypt's serious reform efforts, reaffirming the OECD's commitment to providing support for Egypt's sustainable development priorities. The OECD will continue to work closely with Egypt to address key development challenges and promote economic growth.
The meeting between Dr. Rastom and Daho reflects the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and the OECD. The two parties are working together to promote economic development, enhance competitiveness, and improve the business environment in Egypt and the African continent.
Key points
- Egypt and OECD discuss cooperation on the second phase of the national program.
- The OECD to provide technical and institutional support to Egypt's development priorities.
- Egypt to host the OECD's Ministerial Conference for the Middle East and North Africa region.
