Cairo: Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom confirmed that developing digital infrastructure is at the top of the state's priorities to increase the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, noting that Egypt's economic reform priorities lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

According to State Information Service Egypt, this statement was made during Rostom's participation in a roundtable organized by Visa in cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. The event, titled "Promoting the Digital Economy in Egypt and the Role of Digital Payments in Driving Growth," also featured Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh, alongside Visa and AmCham executives.

The session included discussions on Egypt's economic reform priorities, potential for private sector-driven growth, and the significance of digital payments, financial inclusion, and fintech innovations in fostering development. Rostom emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure in positioning Egypt as a regional and global data hub and mentioned that the ministry is focused on enhancing electronic connectivity between national databases to improve public investment efficiency.

Rostom also referenced recent directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to formulate a national strategy for data centers, as part of broader state plans to localize advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. He highlighted the ICT sector's role as a key driver of economic growth, supported by increasing foreign investments and efforts from the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship to bolster startups in the knowledge-based digital economy.

Visa Regional President for CEMEA Tarek Mahmoud noted that Egypt's economic reforms provide a robust foundation for sustainable growth, with digital payments playing a crucial role in the transition to a formal economy, enhancing productivity, and widening financial access for individuals and small and medium enterprises.