Cairo: Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom held discussions with a World Bank (WB) delegation on ways to enhance joint cooperation within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two sides, and to review the Public Finance Review (PFR) report currently being prepared by the Bank in collaboration with relevant national ministries and agencies.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions come in light of the ministry's role in planning and managing public investments and directing resources to support economic and social development goals. This meeting included Stephane Guimbert, the World Bank Regional Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti, and saw participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Planning and representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad.

Rostom emphasized the depth of relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the World Bank Group, describing them as a comprehensive model of development partnerships. He highlighted the significance of the Public Finance Review, which assesses the efficiency of selecting and implementing government projects, their alignment with economic priorities, and their ability to generate employment and achieve sustainable growth.

He further mentioned the government's eagerness to leverage such reports to support economic reform in line with national priorities and Egypt Vision 2030. Rostom also pointed out that the report underscores the importance of strengthening project cycle governance and enhancing integration between investment plans and the state budget to ensure resources are directed toward impactful projects that improve citizens' lives.

The Minister stressed the necessity of considering the economic and social challenges and global and regional crises in the report's recommendations. He noted efforts to improve investment management efficiency and develop innovative financing mechanisms to ease state budget pressure.

The discussions also included developing unified digital systems for project management and monitoring, improving the geographic distribution of investments, and enhancing transparency and data-driven decision-making. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue coordination and hold joint technical workshops to further develop cooperation mechanisms for future initiatives of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, focusing on public investment efficiency and innovative financing tools in infrastructure, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurship projects.