Planning minister: Egypt plays pivotal regional role in advancing economic development efforts

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom said Egypt plays a pivotal role in advancing economic development efforts at the regional level through its co-chairmanship, alongside Italy, of the Governance Program under the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Initiative. In statements to MENA on Thursday, June 4, 2026, on the sidelines of the 2026 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, held at the organization’s headquarters in Paris, the ministers said Egypt is keen on forging sustainable partnerships to ensure Africa benefits from the expertise and efforts of OECD member states, thereby enhancing governance, strengthening competitiveness and advancing comprehensive development. The minister also said his participation in the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting reflects the close and strong relations between Egypt and the organization, as embodied in the implementation of the first phase of the OECD Country Program for Egypt from 2021 through June 2026. The program has led to the completion of numerous reports and projects that support Egypt’s economic reform efforts. Rostom noted that current meetings, which have brought together representatives from many OECD member states, contribute to deepening discussions on industrial policies to support economic growth and competitiveness amid the challenges facing the world today. He stressed that at a time when the region and the world are experiencing unprecedented tensions and challenges, the international community and policy support institutions have a crucial role to play in formulating growth-enhancing policies capable of overcoming such crises. In this regard, Rostom said the meetings featured productive discussions with several partners on policies to enhance productivity and competitiveness, support innovation and emerging technologies, develop skills and human capital, and strike a balance between fiscal sustainability and economic growth. He also announced that the meetings concluded with an agreement for Egypt to host the ministerial meetings of the OECD Middle East and North Africa Initiative next November, highlighting the international recognition of the Egyptian state’s efforts to promote economic development. The post Planning minister: Egypt plays pivotal regional role in advancing economic development efforts appeared first on Egypt Independent.