● Minister of International Cooperation: We are exploring the possibilities of a second edition of the global Climatech Run initiative launch for startups working in climate action technology.
● Vice President of "Google" expresses their willingness to contribute through modern technologies to the implementation of the NWFE Program
The Minister of International Cooperation and Governor of Egypt at the World Bank Group H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat met with Ambassador Karan Bhatia, Global Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy of Google, during her participation at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington.
The meeting included discussions on the national efforts made to promote the digital transformation and improve public services provided to citizens through the “Digital Egypt” platform, under the umbrella of Egypt's Vision 2030. They looked into accelerating the pace of digital inclusion and the transition to a knowledge-based economy, increased capacity building and encouraged innovation.
H.E. pointed out that Egypt is working to create an investment-friendly environment, so as to become a regional center for startups in the Middle East and North Africa region, and to stimulate venture capital investments, inline with supporting comprehensive and sustainable development efforts.
Al-Mashat stated that the digitization and innovation is a major focus in the international partnerships implemented by the Ministry of International Cooperation with multilateral and bilateral development partners. The ongoing portfolio of development cooperation in this sector includes 35 projects in the field of digitization, innovation and entrepreneurship that promote the implementation of 11 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), worth approximately $1 billion.
The Minister explained that they are working to expand the scope of efforts directed at startups and innovation through partnerships with development partners while improving the ecosystem for entrepreneurship and investment, in line with Egypt's Vision 2030.
Moreover, the Minister noted that between 2020 and 2022, the total amount of development finance directed to the private sector from multilateral and bilateral development partners amounted to about $7.6 billion.
During their meeting, the Minister referred to the close cooperation of Google in the ClimaTech run competition at COP27, which included over 420 startups and digital artists. H.E. also noted that the Ministry of International Cooperation is currently exploring the launch of the second edition of the competition in cooperation with the United Nations and many other partners, in preparation for COP28.
During their discussion, the Minister reviewed the existing cooperation with the United Nations through the Joint Team for Digital Transformation and Innovation (UN-JTDI), which is focused on tech and innovation. Part of this cooperation includes promoting access to modern access to modern technology in developing countries, and developing the technical capabilities of UN member states. The initiative also aims to encourage public-private partnerships to promote technology and innovation in developing countries through technical workshops with the ministries and relevant entities.
For his part, Ambassador Karan Bhatia, Global Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy of Google expressed the company's interest in Egypt’s Country Platform for the NWFE Program, and their desire to enhance cooperation with the government in the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in implementing the program's projects and promoting investments in digital transformation. Both Al-Mashat and Ambassador Bhatia looked into the means of cooperation in this regard.
Under the theme “The Way Forward: Building Resilience and Reshaping Development,” Al-Mashat is participating in the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, along with the participation of central bank governors, finance ministers, development partners, senior officials from the private sector, philanthropic organizations and academic, to discuss issues of global concern.