Egyptian
Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Co-operation Rania
El-Mashat said Egyptian economy has become more stable and predictable, despite
global challenges.
In an interview with CNN’s
Middle East Marketplace Journalist and media Correspondent Richard Quest, the
minister of international co-operation said, the government continues to
implement structural reforms to ensure the sustainability of economic stability
and enhance Egypt’s competitiveness as a regional hub for exports to Europe.
Mashat said Egypt has an
industrial base that includes many basic products, as cement, iron, plastic and
processed food, which supports manufacturing value chains, explaining that
Egypt’s economic vision aims to shift from non-tradable sectors to tradable
sectors, with the aim of adding higher value, enhancing competitiveness of
Egyptian products at global markets.
As for economic
expectations Mashat said, the expected growth rate of the Egyptian economy will
reach 4% by the end of the current fiscal year, with expectations of
registering 4.5% in the next fiscal year, despite challenges resulting from
global protectionist trade policies, highlighting regional cooperation as a key
factor in supporting growth.
She underscored the
importance of joint economic committees with Jordan, Iraq and other countries,
to promote economic integration.
She pointed out to
strategic projects such as power linkage between Egypt and Saudi Arabia for
contributing to the integration of energy networks with the Gulf countries,
along with Egypt’s strategic location as a major crossing point for submarine
cables for the Internet across the Red Sea.
The minister of
international co-operation said the state is pressing ahead with efforts to
ensure economic growth led by the private sector, through implementing
structural reforms that enhance the capabilities of the Egyptian economy and
provide an environment for luring local and international investments.
Source: The Egyptian Gazette