H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a meeting with Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), during the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in Algeria. 

The meeting focused on reviewing areas of joint cooperation and discussing ongoing and proposed joint programs, particularly in the energy, food security, trade, and digitalization sectors.

At the outset of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership with the ITFC, highlighting its effective role in supporting Egypt's efforts to provide strategic commodities within the framework of the effective partnership with the IsDB Group. She emphasized Egypt's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the ITFC, aligning with current global and regional changes to maximize mutual interests.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also pointed to the ITFC's effective role in supporting foreign trade, particularly the export sector, through strategic programs aimed at boosting international trade. These include the "Arab-African Trade Bridges Program," the "Women in Global Trade - Phase Two (She Trades 2)" project, and the second phase of the "Training Step Towards Export" program, among others.

The two sides reviewed the ITFC's work program currently being implemented this year, under which financing totaling $1.814 billion has been approved. This includes $1 billion for the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and $814.25 million for the General Authority for Supply Commodities, reflecting the mutual trust and effectiveness of the implemented programs. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed continued cooperation with the ITFC, which is a key partner in financing strategic commodities for the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The meeting also touched on cooperation efforts in trade digitalization. Coordination is currently underway to hold a workshop to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of digital and legal standards and to conduct a funded technical study to assess the expected economic return from digitalization and identify necessary legislative requirements. 

Progress on several joint programs was also reviewed, most notably the second phase of the "Training for Export (STEP 2)" program and the "Women in Trade – Phase Two" project, as part of the "AFTIAS 2.0" program. Additionally, discussions covered ways to support planning institutes, research centers, and specialized training centers, contributing to preparing and qualifying a new generation of export entrepreneurs and enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.

It is worth noting that the total financing provided by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation to Egypt to enhance efforts in providing strategic commodities has reached approximately $20.5 billion since the ITFC's inception, in addition to $1.7 billion before its establishment.