Cairo: Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Eissa emphasized the significance of Egypt's collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as pivotal for the country's reform trajectory. Speaking at the conclusion of Egypt's first phase of the country program with the OECD, Eissa highlighted the partnership's role in enhancing the business climate and further integrating Egypt into the global economy.
According to State Information Service Egypt, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, along with ministers, ambassadors, and international representatives, attended the conference. Eissa noted that the joint efforts under the program have reinforced evidence-based policymaking and advanced a comprehensive reform agenda, which is beginning to produce tangible outcomes for Egypt's economy.
Eissa outlined achievements in governance, competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusiveness as critical to addressing global challenges and supporting Egypt's macroeconomic stability and structural transformation. He also mentioned Egypt's forthcoming co-chairmanship of the OECD initiative on governance and competitiveness for development in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026-2030, describing it as a vital step toward a regional reform agenda.
He explained that under the governance pillar, Egypt aims to support public sector reform, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery. The competitiveness pillar will focus on mobilizing investments and empowering the private sector, alongside advancing women's economic empowerment and green and digital transformation.
Eissa also noted Egypt's active participation in key initiatives, including co-chairing the MENA-OECD Women's Economic Empowerment Forum and engaging in regional projects like the EU-OECD program on financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs in the Southern Mediterranean. Additionally, Egypt's partnership with the OECD extends into Africa, particularly in innovation and artificial intelligence, promoting regional integration and policy convergence.
Looking forward, Eissa pointed out that Egypt's co-chairmanship, regional engagement, and the proposed second phase of the country program provide opportunities to amplify impact and align domestic reforms with regional dialogue. The upcoming phase will focus on results-oriented approaches, building on the first phase's achievements while expanding Egypt's reform influence regionally and continentally.
Eissa concluded by stating that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is engaged in consultations with national stakeholders and the OECD to set priorities consistent with the national development agenda. He underscored that reform is an ongoing process requiring commitment, coordination, and strong partnerships, affirming Egypt's dedication to continued collaboration with the OECD to achieve substantial and lasting change.