Cairo: Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities Randa El-Manshawy engaged in discussions with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding the enhancement of cooperation in water infrastructure projects. These discussions primarily focused on seawater desalination as Egypt seeks to expand its sustainable water resources and attract private investment.
According to State Information Service Egypt, El-Manshawy met with an IFC delegation led by Saad Sabra, the institution's Regional Manager for Egypt. During the meeting, she highlighted the ministry's prioritization of developing the drinking water and sanitation sector, alongside expanding desalination projects to align with the government's sustainable development goals.
El-Manshawy elaborated on Egypt's adoption of an integrated national strategy aimed at expanding seawater desalination. This strategy is a critical component of the nation's water resource management, with an emphasis on increasing the use of non-conventional water sources to support urban growth and economic development.
She underscored the significance of expanding partnerships with the private sector and international financial institutions to mobilize innovative and sustainable financing. Additionally, El-Manshawy emphasized the need to support technology transfer and establish a competitive industrial base for desalination equipment.
Furthermore, she reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment that facilitates integration between infrastructure projects and local industry.