Washington: Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom discussed with international financial institutions officials developments in the Egyptian economy and government efforts to advance economic transformation and implement a flexible economic program aimed at enhancing macroeconomic resilience, boosting private sector participation, and achieving sustainable growth.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the talks took place during a series of meetings in Washington with senior World Bank and International Monetary Fund officials, where discussions focused on addressing challenges stemming from regional geopolitical tensions and their impact on supply chains and inflation rates.
Rostom reviewed the government’s current economic priorities, including strengthening macroeconomic stability, promoting comprehensive development, and reinforcing the economy’s resilience in the face of successive global shocks. He highlighted Egypt’s ability to absorb economic impacts since the COVID-19 pandemic through balanced reform policies, diversification of income sources, and continued implementation of national projects supporting sustainable growth.
The meetings also tackled food security and supply chains, with the minister outlining efforts to expand agricultural projects, increase local production, diversify import sources, and build strategic reserves of key commodities, alongside facilitating financing for agricultural technology companies and value chains.
On energy security, Rostom affirmed Egypt’s commitment to securing conventional and renewable energy sources and expanding clean energy projects to support the transition toward a green economy while improving energy efficiency. Discussions further addressed fiscal sustainability, public investment management, and strengthening logistics and transport systems to ensure stable trade flows.
Rostom also met with US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Deputy Vice President Bethany Aquilina Brez to explore prospects for expanding cooperation and investments in Egypt, particularly in infrastructure sectors. He stressed that empowering the private sector remains a key government priority in line with presidential directives.
Rostom also called on international financing institutions to consider the needs of developing countries affected by geopolitical challenges by providing concessional financing and technical support to sustain development programs and achieve sustainable development goals.