Cairo: Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ahmed Rostom, actively participated in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund held in Washington, D.C., where he took part in a significant panel discussion organized by the World Bank titled ‘From Policy to Jobs: Creating Supportive Regulatory Environments for Business.’

According to State Information Service Egypt, the session attracted a notable assembly of policymakers, public sector leaders, and entrepreneurs. The distinguished participants included Mr. Pascal Donohoe, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Group; Mr. Jumuke Odwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Mr. Federico Sturgess, Argentina’s Minister of Digital Transformation; Ms. Susana Cordero Guerra, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank Group; and Mr. Kader Hassan, Executive Director of the Africa50 Mobility Platform.

During the session, Mr. Pascal Donohoe extended his congratulations t
o Dr. Ahmed Rostom on his recent appointment as Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development. The minister expressed the World Bank’s pride in having one of its experts in this strategic role within Egypt, one of the World Bank’s significant development partners. Dr. Rostom reciprocated with gratitude and best wishes to Mr. Donohoe for his endeavors in enhancing the World Bank’s role and its engagements with developing and emerging nations.

In his address, Dr. Rostom underscored the pivotal role of the private sector as the main driver of the Egyptian economy. He highlighted the national priority of fortifying this developmental role to ensure sustainable job creation and long-term growth, anchored by a robust and competitive private sector.

The Minister further elaborated on the state’s commitment to a comprehensive development approach aimed at sustainable economic growth. He noted that Egypt is advancing with an integrated reform program, bolstered by a national reform plan. Dr. Rostom emphasize
d the state’s redefined economic role, transitioning to that of a “facilitator, partner,” and market regulator, while prioritizing the empowerment of the private sector to spearhead the next phase of development. This initiative aims to increase the private sector’s share of total investments from its current 59% to 64% by 2030.