Cairo: Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat engaged in a bilateral meeting with Ms. Magali Cezana from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, alongside French Ambassador to Cairo, Eric Chevallier. This meeting, held at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, aimed at fortifying strategic relations between Egypt and France and exploring avenues for joint cooperation in priority development sectors.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the Minister emphasized the enduring partnership between Egypt and France, which has been instrumental in promoting economic growth and enhancing various development efforts. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the commitment of both sides to continue building on the positive outcomes achieved in recent years.
Dr. Al-Mashat noted Egypt's commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment that welcomes new partnerships and foreign investments. She stressed that these efforts are directed towards driving innovation, achieving economic growth, and supporting sustainable development, all serving the mutual interests of Egypt and France.
Furthermore, the minister discussed the launch of the second edition of the 'National Narrative for Comprehensive Development', which aims for the private sector to lead over 70% of total investment by 2030. This initiative sets ambitious goals, including a GDP growth rate of 7.5%, integrating structural reforms with a performance-based budget preparation approach.
The Egyptian government, she reaffirmed, is keen on expanding public-private partnership opportunities, particularly in areas supporting sustainable growth like the green transition, transport, healthcare, and education. These efforts aim to create a dynamic environment for international partners and the private sector to contribute to Egypt's development vision while benefiting from its growing market and investment climate.
Discussions also covered ongoing development cooperation projects, highlighting France's involvement in the 'Sustainable Green Industry' project, the 'Universal Health Insurance System', and the teaching of French as a foreign language in public schools.
It's noteworthy that the Ministry previously published its 2025 annual report on the Egyptian-European strategic partnership, detailing the historic visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Egypt, his meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the signing of joint declarations elevating the relations to a strategic partnership.
In line with the joint declaration, Minister Al-Mashat and Ambassador Chevallier announced the renewal of technical and financial cooperation, committing pound 4 billion towards implementing priority projects in Egypt by 2030.