H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, welcomed Éric Chevallier, the French Ambassador to Egypt, Sandra Kassab, Head of the Africa Department at the French Development Agency (AFD), and Clémence Vidal de La Blache, Egypt Country Director of AFD, at the Ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
The meeting was part of continuous efforts to enhance Egyptian-French economic relations and strengthen partnerships across various sectors to promote economic development.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the depth of Egyptian-French relations, their importance, and the progress achieved in recent years. She highlighted the positive impact this has had on the implementation of numerous development projects in priority sectors, through developmental cooperation with the AFD, which has played a key role in boosting economic growth, promoting development across various sectors, and creating better opportunities for the Egyptian economy.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed that Egypt, with its growing economy and commitment to creating an attractive investment environment, is open and ready for new partnerships and foreign investments that can drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that the shared goals and mutual respect that characterize our bilateral relations provide a model for international cooperation, and we are determined to build on this in the coming years.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat also noted that France's steadfast commitment and contributions have played a significant role in strengthening the Egyptian economy and enhancing the ties between the two governments by contributing to a wide range of sectors, such as transport, health, energy, education, housing, and others. France has also supported the creation of more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, improved access to markets, and encouraged the flow of knowledge and expertise.
H.E. Minister Rania Al-Mashat reviewed the government's efforts to govern and enhance the efficiency of investment spending as part of the government’s program to ensure macroeconomic stability and increase private sector investments. She explained that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation works on driving sustainable economic growth by relying on evidence-based policies and data to identify and address development gaps in sectors, enhance macroeconomic stability, implement structural reforms to increase competitiveness, improve the business environment, support the resilience of fiscal policies, and transition to a green economy.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat mentioned the launch of the country strategy between Egypt and the AFD until 2025, titled "For Shared Prosperity." She explained that the strategy aims to maximize the benefits of international partnerships and development financing to support the national development vision for 2030. She confirmed that the country strategy between Egypt and the AFD represents the culmination of a prosperous phase in their shared relations and reflects the mutual commitment to implementing the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and advancing sustainable development efforts.