H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, continues her intensive bilateral meetings with development partners, private sector representatives, and governments during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. 

Egyptian-Tunisian relations

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat met with Mr. Samir Abdel Hafiz, Tunisia’s Minister of Economy, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Egypt and Tunisia in various economic, trade, and investment fields to support mutual development efforts. 

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt’s commitment to fostering relations with Tunisia, recalling the 17th session of the Joint High Committee held in 2022—a key mechanism for enhancing bilateral ties and addressing shared priorities. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of convening the next session to open new horizons for cooperation aligned with economic developments and to advance joint development in both nations. 

The Egyptian-Tunisian Joint High Committee, one of the oldest Arab joint committees, has held 17 consecutive sessions chaired by the Prime Ministers of both countries. These sessions have resulted in over 135 cooperation agreements and protocols across various economic and technical fields, with the most recent session held in Tunisia in 2023. 

Furthermore, the Ministerial Follow-up Committee convened in August 2018. Several technical committees have been formed under the Supreme Committee, covering areas such as infrastructure, logistics, land and rail transportation, youth, commerce, and industry.

Localization of the pharmaceutical industry

In addition, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Michel Demaré, Chair of AstraZeneca, to discuss strengthening partnerships in women’s healthcare and supporting health projects in Egypt. 

Discussions also covered AstraZeneca’s investments and expansion plans in the country, reflecting the government’s priority on localizing pharmaceutical and vaccine production. 

The two parties explored enhancing collaboration to improve healthcare services for women, alongside reviewing the company’s ongoing health initiatives. 

The Minister underscored that healthcare is a cornerstone of sustainable development and societal well-being, with the government prioritizing investments in key sectors like health and implementing the Universal Health Insurance System. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted national efforts to improve healthcare services, such as the successful elimination of Hepatitis C through the “100 Million Healthy Lives” presidential initiative, which has received international recognition, and noted the Ministry’s role in advancing these objectives through investment planning and international partnerships. 

World Intellectual Property Organization

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also met with Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two parties. 

During the meeting, the Minister outlined the Ministry’s initiatives in development cooperation, emphasizing Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to promote effective global partnerships supported by national platforms that coordinate among stakeholders to achieve shared developmental goals. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, including a partnership between the National Intellectual Property Academy (NIPA) in Egypt and WIPO’s Academy, launched in June 2024. 

This initiative trains Egyptian women researchers on integrating intellectual property strategies into their work, enabling them to better understand IP protection mechanisms and leverage IP rights to enhance their research and projects. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that Egypt’s initiatives in development cooperation, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship are key to achieving sustainable development and enhancing the country’s international standing.

Egypt also reaffirms its deep commitment to supporting innovation and economic development, contributing to the development of the legislative and economic environment to make it more conducive to business and innovation.

Additionally, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat met with Mr. Eugene Willemsen Chief Executive Officer, International Franchise Beverages of PepsiCo, to discuss strengthening joint cooperation and reviewing the company’s investments in Egypt. 

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat reviewed the state’s efforts to enhance macroeconomic stability through economic and structural reforms, and empowering the private sector as a key driver for achieving development in Egypt.