The Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision of Ministers Support Center (IDSC) Egypt : A path Forward for Future Prosperity

March 2020 The Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC); is the leading governmental Egyptian think tank which is entitled with the responsibility of conducting high quality policy research through using and disseminating information to support the decision-making process in Egypt.

IDSC has a diversified working agenda which tackles several economic, social and political issues related to the development process.

IDSC relies on highly qualified staff and experts, with distinguished academic backgrounds who are able – at the same time – to creatively think ahead for realizing prosperity all over Egypt.

www.idsc.gov.eg In view of Egypt’s ultimate goal of upgrading the quality of life of Egyptians, the Government of Egypt (GOE) has embarked on a very comprehensive economic reform program, and has undertaken very bold measures towards a more stable resilient economy. In this context, Egypt has succeeded in creating an enabling environment for inclusive growth and sustainable development, where economic fundamentals are stabilizing with reduction in fiscal deficit, curbing in the rate of inflation, and increasing the growth rate of output , together with strengthening the local currency, this is met with increased confidence from domestic and international investors, which makes Egypt the promise land for businessmen to come and invest.

While implementing its comprehensive reform program, citizens are always the government’s first concern, that’s why the government was keen on reducing the negative impact of this program especially on the most vulnerable. In this regard providing social safety nets was considered as a crucial component of Egypt’s economic reform. The government was also keen on providing quality services to its citizens which includes: improved health services; modernizing and upgrading the educational system; building the capacity of youth; and enhancing women’s empowerment.

The GOE also believes that improving the economic conditions is not sufficient as it should be consolidated by political reform, that’s why the past years had witnessed remarkable achievements on the political level, which aims at strengthening the country’s foreign relations with other countries.

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly “The Egyptian Prime Minister“

Preface

In The context of tracing the development path in Egypt, the Egyptian Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) pub- lished its first periodical report entitled «Egypt: A path Forward for Fu- ture Prosperity» to shed light on the main achievements and develop- ments on various levels i.e economic, social, and political arenas. This is being done through four main sections: Section one highlights the major achievements in different sectors, while section two records the Inter- national institutions ’ praises of various Egyptian policies which helps in strengthening the confidence of the international community in restoring the stability of the Egyptian economy. section three presents a comprehensive analysis of one of the key sectors within the last 10 years, section four ends up with the political agenda and highlights the steps taken by the Egyptian Government to strengthen its foreign relations with other countries.

Osama El-Gohary Chairman Information & Decision Support center Egypt : A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Mission…

Tracing the development Phase in Egypt, on economic, social, political, and international levels. Egypt : A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Report Team

Lobna Mounir Mai Mohsen Monica William Omneya Gaber Sara Abd el Aziz Sally Ashour

Technical Office - Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC)

Graphic Design

Ayat Mekky Mohamed Adel

The report wish to acknowledge with gratitude the generous assistance of Aya badr, Safaa El-sisi, Reham Abo donia.

Table of Contents

Section 1: 11 Achievements in Brief

Section 2: 37 Egypt’s ranking in International Indicators

Section 3: 45 Egypt open for Business (Investment Climate in Focus)

Section 4: 55 Egypt`s International Relations

Achievements in Brief

Through economic consolidation measures implemented since 2016, Egypt has corrected its macroeconomic imbalances and regained the confidence of international investors. The economic growth has increased significantly, foreign currency liquidity has returned to satisfying levels, the public account deficit is narrowing, and the local currency has been strengthened, on the sectoral level, considerable achievements have been witnessed on various levels which are being highlighted in this section.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 11 Achievements in Brief

• In the wake of January 25th Revolution, the country exerted strenuous efforts to restore the economy on the right track, in this regard Egypt has Achievementsmaintained its pace of social in andBrief economic reforms, pushing its growth well above the Inregionalthe wake average.of January 25th Revolution, the country exerted strenuous efforts to restore the economy on • The country’s progress in GDP growth, foreign the right track, in this regard Egypt has maintained exchange revenues, fiscal consolidation, and its pace of social and economic reforms, pushing its inflation management have earned its praise growth well above the regional average. from various international institutions such as TheStandardcountry Chartered,’s progress thein GDPInternationalgrowth, foreignMonetary exchangeFund (IMF)revenues, and thefiscal Worldconsolidation, Bank. Considerableand inflationprogressmanagement could be noticedhave earned in variousits praise economic,from varioussocial,international and politicalinstitutions pillars statedsuch asas follows:Standard Chartered, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Considerable progress could be 1- MaintainingWorld Bank. high rates of growth: noticed in various economic, social, and political pillars stated as follows: • Egypt achieved the highest growth rate in 11 1- Maintainingyears, recording high 5.6 rates %, during of growth FY 2018/2019, driven by increased investments and a significant Egypt achieved the highest growth rate in 11 years, increase in foreign trade movement compared to Egypt is enjoying relatively recording 5.6 %, during FY 2018/2019, driven by 5.3% in FY 2017/2018, 2.9% in FY 2013/2014. increased investments and a significant increase in strong growth, projected According to UN, GDP growth rate is expected to foreign trade movement compared to 5.3% in FY Egypt is enjoying relatively strong reach 5.8% in in 2020. at 5.8% in 2020, owing 2017/2018, 2.9% in FY 2013/2014. According to UN, “growth, projected at 5.8% in 2020, owing toto aa robust recoveryrecovery of • GDPAchievinggrowth rate highis growthexpected ratesto reach affected5.8% thein situationin FY domestic of demand domestic and easing demand balance- 2019of /2020unemployment. positively and lead to an of-payments constraints. Achievingincreasehigh in growthjobs, notingrates affectedthat thethe unemploymentsituation of and easing balance-of- unemploymentrate fell frompositively 13%and in lead2014to toan 7.5%increase inin the United Nationpayments – World Economic constraints.” Situation jobs,secondnoting quarterthat the ofunemployment the FY 2018/2019.rate fell from and Prospects, January 2020. 13.6% in 2014 to 7.5% in the second quarter of the FY 2018/2019GDP. Growth Rate during the period United Nation – World Economic Situation and (2008/2009 – 2019/2020) Prospects, January 2020. (%)

6 5.3 5.6 5.1 5 4.4 4.3 4.2 5.6% 4 4.7 The highest GDP Growth Rate 2.9 2018/2019 3 2.2 2.2 Since 11 years 2 1 1.8 The highest GDP Growth 0 Rate 5.6%Since 11 years Source: Ministry of Planning and economic development. 2018/2019 Source: Ministry of Planning and economic development. 7 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 12 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

The Egyptian pound became stronger at the beginning of 2019

• The Egyptian pound (EGP) began to Egypt is a very strengthen starting 2019 for the first time good example sinceThe its floatation Egyptian in poundNovember became 2016, reaching of what happens strongeraverage 15.6 at perthe dollar beginning in 20 February of 20192020, .One Egypt is a very good “ when a country of the key factors for a stronger pound was the example of what happens ends currency Central Bank of Egypt’s decision to terminate its when a country ends currencymanagementmanagement and repatriationThe Egyptian mechanismpound (EGP) in Decemberbegan to 2018,strengthen which let andit float letin itthe floatmarket in . isstarting considered2019 fora stepthe towardsfirst time highersince itsliberalizationfloatation in It’sthea success market.story It’s thata inNovember the interbank2016, andreaching FX market.average 15.6 per dollar in Andrew Schultz a successnumber ofstorycountries that ain Andrew Schultz 20 February 2020, One of the key factors for a thenumberregion ofcould countrieslearn HeadHead of Afric of Africaa Strategy stronger pound was the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE’s) fromin .the region could Strategyand sales and at Investec sales at decision to terminate its repatriation mechanism in learn from. InvestecBank Bank Ltd Ltd December 2018, which is considered a step towards ” higher liberalization in the interbank and FX market. • NetNetinternational internationalreserves reservesreached reachedUSD 45USD.4 bn 45.4in Decemberbn in December2019, increasing 2019, increasingby 6.7% byy 6.7%-o-y, y-o-y,which increaseswhich increasesthe country the’ s country’seconomic economicand financial and stability,financialguarantee stability,the guaranteeforeign currency the foreignavailability currencyin unusualavailabilitysituations in unusualthat might situationsoccur thatdue mightto external occur shocksdue to. external shocks. • The CBE has reduced the country’s exchange rate regime to leave the currency float freely TheThe Largest Largest Net Net international international re- in order to fight off the lack of dollars and help servesreserves in the in historythe history of the of Egyp-the make the economy stable. This measure is part Egyptian Economy of an economic reform program tied to a USD tian Economy The CBE has reduced the country’s exchange rate 12regime bn loanto leave fromthe the currencyInternationalfloat Monetaryfreely in order Fundto (IMF). 45.4 fight off the lack of dollars and help make the economy USD 45.4USD bn bn stable. This measure is part of an economic reform • Eprogramgyptiantied poundto hasa USDbeen popular12 bn loan with fromtradersthe DecemberDecember 2019 2019 inInternational the past Monetaryyear, whichFund reflects(IMF). investors’ trust in Egyptian economy and its currency specially Net internationalNet reservesinternational (2013/2014 reserves – Dec 2019) after economic reforms undertaken by President (2013/2014 – December 2019) Egyptian pound has been popular with traders in the (USD bn) Abdel-Fattah El-Sis. 45.4 50 past year, which reflects investors' trust in Egyptian 44.5 45.0 45.1 45.1 45.2 45.4 45 44.3 economy and its currency specially after economic 40 35 31.3 reforms undertaken by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sis. 30 25 20.1 Egypt’s currency, one of 20 16.7 17.5 15 10 the world’s best performers 5 Egypt’s currency,in 2019.one of the world’s 0 “ best performers in 2019. Bloomberg– January 2020. Source: Central Bank of Egypt. Bloomberg– January 2020. ” Source: Central Bank of Egypt.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 13 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 8 Achievements in Brief

Inflation Rate decreases to 9.2% in 2019

• As a resultEgypt of :Athe path continued Forward for Economicimprovement Prosperity. of Egypt’s economy, Egypt’s average inflation Inflation Rate continue its rate decreased to 9.2% in 2019 compared to downtrend to reach single digit during 2020. Recent moderate 14.4 % in 2018. Inflation Rate continue its downtrend Inflation Rate decreases to inflation rates came as a result • It`s worth noting9.2 %that in Inflation 2019. surged in Egypt “to ofreach the stabilitysingle digit of foodduring products2020. since the Egyptian pound flotation in November Recent moderate inflationprices. rates came As2016,a result reaching of the con�nuedits highestimprovement levels in of 2017 Egypt’s as a result of the stability of food ٪٩.٢ economy, Egypt’s average infla�on rate decreased to recording 29.5%, since then the CBE succeeded products pricesDeutsche. Bank – Feb 2020. .٢٠١٨ in ٪ ١٤.٤ compared to ٢٠١٩ in in controlling inflation rates gradually through Deutsche Bank – Feb”2020. It`sfollowing worth no�ng variousthat procedures,Infla�on surged the mostin Egypt important since the reaching its ,٢٠١٦.Egyp�anof whichpound is increasingflota�on in the November interest rate since then the CBE ,٪٢٩.٥ recording ٢٠١٧ highest levels in succeeded in controlling infla�on rates gradually through following Inflation various Rate procedures,during the period the most (2008-2019) important of which is increasing the interest rate.

(%)

35 29.5 30 25 18.3 20 13.8 14.4 15 11.8 11.1 The slowdown in Inflation is a key 10.1 9.5 10.1 10.4 9.2 7.1 10 Thegainslowdown for thein Inflationbank. Egyptis a keyhadgain seen 5 forconsumer the bank. pricesEgypt had surgeseen byconsumer over 30% “ ٠ pricesafter surge the November by over 30% 2016after decision the Novemberto2016 devaluedecision theto currency.devalue the currency. Source: CAPMAS Source: CAPMAS Bloomberg- 2019. Bloomberg- 2019.””

14 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC ٩ Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Egypt Achieves a budget deficit rate of 8.1%

• Reforming the Fiscal Sector with the aim of • Egypt achieved the highest primary budget achieving EgyptMacroeconomic :A path Forward stability for Economic was oneProsperity. of surplus 2% from 15 years during FY 2018/2019, the main goals of the GOE during last years, compared to 0.2% in the FY 2017/2018. Egypt achieved this comes in accordance with achieving strong the highest primary budget surplus compared to ,٢٠١٩/٢٠١٨ years during FY ١٥ from ٪٢ Egypteconomic Achieves growth to aboost budget revenues deficit . rate .٢٠١٨/٢٠١٧ in the FY ٪٠.٢ of 8.2% • In this regard, Egypt succeeded in narrowing the Government Budget fiscal deficit to 8.1% Reformingof the country’s the Fiscal SectorGDP in with the theFY aim2018/2019,of achieving Macroeconomiccompared to stability9.7% in wasFY one2017/2018of the mainand 12% goals inof the GOEFY during 2013/2014. last years, Egypt thisalso aims comes to achievein accordance further with achievingprogress strong in lowering economic the growth total tobudgetboost revenuesdeficit to . 7.2% of GDP in FY 2019/2020. • Egypt has returned to the international Bond In this regard, Egypt succeeded in narrowing the market during 2019 to benefit from the current of the country’s positive conditions of the international markets ٪٨.٢ Government Budget fiscal deficit to in FY to cover a part of its funding needs for FY ٪٩.٧ compared to ,٢٠١٩/٢٠١٨ GDP in the FY Egypt also aims to 2019/2020, it is also worth mentioning that the .٢٠١٤/٢٠١٣ in FY ٪١٢.٢ and ٢٠١٨/٢٠١٧ Egypt has returned to the interna�onal Bond achieve further progress in lowering the total budget last issuing of international bond with $2 bn, part to benefit from the current ٢٠١٩ market during of it with maturities of 40 years, which considered .٢٠٢٠/٢٠١٩ of GDP in FY ٪٧.٢ deficit to posi�ve condi�ons of the interna�onal markets to Overall Budget deficit as percentage to GDP the longest international bond to be floated in , ٢٠٢٠/٢٠١٩which Overall Budget(2013 deficit/2014 –as2018 percentage/2019) to GDP thecover North a Africa part of andits fundingMiddle needsEast region,for FY during the period (2013/2014 – 2018/2019) reflectsit is also the confidence worth men�oning in Egyptianthat economy.the last issuing of bn, part of it with ٢$ interna�onal bond with (%) • The Government succeeded in shrinking the years, which considered the longest ٤٠ maturi�es of 14 Domestic Debt percentage to GDP reaching 12 11.4 10.9 12.5 9.7 interna�onal bond to be floated in the North Africa 10 12 8.1 71.9% in FY 2018/2019, compared to 82.2% in 8 theand previous Middle year.East It is predictedregion, whichto reachreflects 66.7% the 6 confidence in Egyp�an economy. 4 by the end of FY 2019/2020. 2 0 The Government succeeded in shrink Domes�c 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019 in FY ٪٧١.٩ Egypt’sDebt percentage Finance to GDP reaching .in the previous year ٪٨٢.٢ awarded, compared to ٢٠١٩/Source:Source: Ministry Ministry of ofFinance. Finance. minister٢٠١٨ by the end of FY ٪٦٦.٧ Itbestis predicted financeto reach in .MENA ٢٠٢٠/Egypt achieves primary Budget Sur- minister٢٠١٩ region for 2019, plus for the first time since 15 years forEgypt his work‛s Finance on improvingminister Egypt’s awarded Egypt achieves primary Budget “ macroeconomicbest finance minister Surplus for2% the first time since Mohamed Maait in MENAsigns. region for 15 years Finance Minister 2018/2019 2019, for his work on improving Egypt‛s macroeconomic Information and Decision2% Support Center - IDSC 15 signs”. 2018/2019 Global Market-” 2019. Mohamed Maait Finance Minister

١٠ Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Achievements in Brief

2- Achievements in key sectors: We are honored to have been chosen Tourism Development as the ministry of tourism that has • While Egypt’s tourist numbers dropped following contributed the the revolution of January 2011, stability has most to the global returned to the country under President Abdel travel and tourism Fatah Al Sisi. the Ministry of Tourism embarked industry over the Rania al Mashat on a five-pronged plan to restructure the sector last 24 months. Former Tourism Minister comprising institutional and legislative reform, WTM Award , upgrading infrastructure, increasing investment, November 2019 and updating promotion mechanisms, the industry • Egypt's Ministry of Tourism recently won the has been bouncing back. World Travel Market's 2019 Global Leaders award for outstanding contribution to the • Egypt’s tourism revenues recorded its highest industry at the biggest event of the global travel levels in the FY 2018/2019 since the 25 January industry, the World Travel Market, which brings Revolution recording USD 12.57 bn compared together a total of 5,000 exhibitors from around the to USD 9.8 bn in FY 2017/2018, its also worth globe and gathering more than 30,000 attendees. mentioning that the ministry also targets The award crowned the Tourism Ministry's increasing the number of tourists visiting Egypt efforts at the national as well as international to 12 mn in FY 2019/2020. levels, which led to tourism revenues reaching an all-time high of USD 12.6 bn in FY 2018/2019, hitting a 28 % increase compared to the previous • Egypt achieved the fourth-highest in Travel fiscal year. &Tourism Performance improvement, according to the World Economic Forum Competitiveness • Euro monitor pointed out that Hurghada could be in Travel and Tourism Report for 2019 that was among the 50 most-visited cities in the world if published in last September. Egypt’s tourism sector political stability and security are assured and the progressed nine spots to rank 65th internationally, government continues its promotional campaigns and it advanced from the 60th position to fifth place for tourism development. Cairo came in at 42nd in its tourism promotion and marketing strategy. position in the Euro monitor list, up five places on the year before. Visitors to the capital increased by 18.3 % year-on-year to reach 6.8 mn in 2019, up from 5.8 mn in 2018.

Highest Tourism Revenues since the 25 Jan Revolution

USD 12.57 bn 2018/2019

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• In November, the World Travel and Tourism Council selected Egypt as among 90 Internationally successful experiences in a report issued in cooperation with the Global Rescue company on the readiness to protect people and tourist destinations in crisis situations. The report looked at the experiences of countries and the private sector in responding to and facing crises as well as recommendations on how best to manage them.

• 2019 witnessed a number of Archaeological projects that will help in promoting tourism in Egypt, most importantly the Pyramid of Mortar in Fayoum, the establishment of two stone obelisks in the City of Culture and Arts in the New Administrative Capital, and the completion of the first phase of the development project in St. Catherine's Monastery.

• In January 2020, “Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue” was been inaugurated in Alexandria, following the completion of its restoration process which comes within the Egyptian government’s keen on preserving all its antiquities and heritage. Also the GOE prepares for opening Baron Palace soon.

• It is also worth mentioning that the ministry of tourism has begun to take procedures for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum ‘GEM2020’, one of the largest museums in the world, located by the pyramids. The museum will be the largest archaeological one in the world to be dedicated to one civilization, according to Travelers today seek Traveler Conde Nast and Architectural Digest content that inspires them magazines. in curating their itineraries through a new wave of storytelling. “The people of Egypt are amazing, welcoming, proud and eager to show their country.

Jeremy Jauncey - Founder and CEO of Beautiful Destinations

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 17 Achievements in Brief

• Starting from their belief that Egypt has more to offer other than the pyramids, and the cruises and the red sea resorts, Egyptian Youth decided to start one of the most successful campaigns for promoting tourism in Egypt through social media Platforms known as “ Take Pictures as if you are in Europe”, through which the Egyptians sought to shed light on various touristic areas all over the country, to highlight its beauty and promote tourism through Egyptians publishing their own picture's on various places through social media platforms.

• On the other side, the ministry launched many tourism campaigns, among which: the People to People (P2P) : Egypt’s Tourism Campaign, portraying Egypt not only as a prime tourism destination but also shedding light on the diversity of the Egyptian people. The aim is to show that sustainable tourism is not just about places but about people, The campaign was named People to People to “reawaken the power of human to human connection”. It features several shots of locals, living their lives in beautifully edited shots.

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Agriculture

• Supported by rich natural conditions along the Nile, which are able to host a variety of valuable crops, agriculture has long been a critical sector for Egypt’s economy. Output comprises fruits, vegetables, cereals, cotton, and sugar, as well as livestock, and is a critical element for both domestic consumption and exports.

• The Agriculture sector is also considered the main source of food and inputs for the industrial sector, the engine that drives growth, in addition to providing job opportunities for the majority of rural people. The sector also extends its networking to many other sectors, notably in transportation, storage, internal and external trade, as well as manufacturing. The GOE is implementing an ambitious strategy to develop the agricultural sector based on a number of pillars stated as follows: » Increasing production per unit of land by The GOE has also designed improving water management systems • Agricultural which aims at and irrigation networks, and increasing Development Strategy 2030, promoting the agricultural growth through efficient the green houses. and environmentally sustainable management of » Expanding reclaimable land through the use of land and water, together with developing heavy investment in land preparation the market for agricultural output and making and water resources development from agricultural institutions, like Agricultural Research aquifers Centre, more responsive to the needs of farmers » Developing the food processing industry • The exerted efforts was being reflected positively in efficiently located agro-industrial parks on the agricultural sector indicators, the most » Restructuring Principal Bank for important of which could be stated as follows: Development and Agricultural Credit (PBDAC) • The Agricultural sector recorded 11.4% of GDP in FY 2018/2019, the total value of the agricultural production also increased by 18% to The Increase in the Total value of the reach LE 588.04 bn in FY 2018/2019 compared Agricultural Production to LE 498.098 bn during FY 2017/2018.

• Total implemented investment in the 18% agricultural sector increased from LE 48.4 bn in 2018/2019 FY 2017/2018 to LE 49.21 bn in FY 2018/2019.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 19 Achievements in Brief

Information and Telecommunication (ICT)

• The Egyptian ICT sector is still the focus of attention of international institutions, consulting firms, industry experts and international companies, especially in the field of technology services outsourcing. The sector has won acclaim due to the efforts exerted over the past years to maintain growth rates and create a system for maintaining and attracting more foreign investments.

• Egypt is considered to be one of the top • ​To achieve its goal, the government has mapped destinations in the ICT industry for a number of out an ICT development strategy with a number reasons: of key pillars, which include:

• The country’s strategic location helps it in » Expanding basic infrastructure including becoming a significant regional transit hub for the broadband network, submarine cables submarine cables. Egypt is main point for more and cloud computing infrastructure. than 21 cables passing by the country. » Promoting the outsourcing industries via » In terms of Talent supply, this sector the creation of technology parks. has been able to continuously secure a » Introducing innovative approaches to growing number of graduates every year. foster private involvement in public led » Competi­tive labor wages also projects. strengthen Egypt’s ICT industry. It » Undertaking regulatory reform to ensure improves profitability year after year, transparency and data security including through establishing cost-effective a new Cyber Security Law, an Access product developments and call centers. to Information Law and an e-Commerce » Existing ICT infrastructure, helps Law. in attracting extra investments, as » Utilizing ICT infrastructure to improve it greatly eases start-up costs, and the efficiency of state bodies; and enhances day-to-day pro­ductivity. facilitating the creation of a large and diverse export-focused industry.

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• During last years, Egypt has adopted several • Egypt organized the 23rd round of Cairo ICT policies supporting digital transformation, which in December 2019, this event attracts unrivalled contributes to achieving transparency, governing growing number of regional leaders, decision the government performance and rationalizing the makers and regulators from within the ICT state resources, within the framework of Egypt’s industry, alongside key decision makers and strategy for digital transformation, in this regard representatives from other related sectors Egypt is building numbers of smart cities, along including governments, finance, health, retail, with the new administrative capital. education, tourism, real state, transport, aviation, armed forces and key military personnel. • Egypt was considered the first in Middle east and Africa in outsourcing services according to A.T. Kearney Global services location Index 2019, the Index aims to highlight the best countries in the field of providing outsourcing services to ICT companies.

• The ICT sector indicators witnessed considerable improvement as follows: » ICT - Real Growth rate has increased from 14.1% in 2017/2018 to 16% in Egypt the First in Middle East and 2018/2019; ranking the sector among the Africa in Outsourcing Services highest growing sectors in the economy, IT sub-sector’s share in ICT GDP growth A.T. Kearney Global services lo- has reached 6 percentage points, while cation Index 2019 the telecom sub-sector’s share to the growth is equal to 10 percentage points, reflecting an increasing growth rate The Egyptian tel- led by the diversification in telecom ecom and technology activities and increased telecom services. market is extremely » Investments in the sector increased in intelligent and sus- current FY 2019/2020 to LE 35.37 bn ceptible to growth. from LE 28.78 bn with a 25 % increase. An enormous confer- Almost 60% of ICT total investments ence such as Cairo ICT are in the telecom sector, while IT sector brings together ideas, Helene Henriksson advancements, tech- contributes by 34%, reflecting the scale Head of Ericsson difference between the two industries. nologies, and future plans by professionals Egypt » The digital exports increased by 12.5% in all the key fields to in 2019 compared to 2018. Almost set Egypt on the right 2/3 of Egyptian Digital exports are path; this is the type ICT in nature and the rest are financial, of initiative Egypt legal, accounting services, and others, needs to see being offshored in a digital form. more of.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 21 Achievements in Brief

Oil and Gas The United States Government belives that Egypt is positioned to be • Egypt’s oil and gas sector has achieved many an important regional energy hub, goals in 2019, which ensures the fact that Egypt for Africa, the Mediterranean, and the will be able to achieve self-sufficiency and stop Middle East. importing petroleum products by 2022. some of the sector’s highlights are being stated below: Jonathan Cohen, U.S. Ambassador to Egypt – 2020

• The Total Production of the oil sector reached • Egypt has been on a roll signing oil and gas 81.6 mn tons in FY 2018/2019, divided as exploration agreements for the past 4 years with follows: 32 mn tons of crude oil and condensates, major companies in the field due to the scope and 49.6 mn tons of Natural gas. and the size of investment needed for such explorations. • On the other hand, the Total Foreign Direct Investment in the Petroleum sector reached $ • The agreements are now anywhere around 70 and 9.5 bn in FY 2018/2019. The total implemented with a total coast that exceeds $6 billion dollars. investment from the foreign and joint corporations The explorations include various areas in Egypt reached $ 7.1 bnin FY 2018/2019. including the Mediterranean coast, Western Desert and Nile Delta among others. • From the external point of view, Egypt’s oil • Recently, Egypt inks its first WestMed oil, gas Exports increased by 31.8% to reach $ 11.6 exploration agreements: GOV signed MoUs with bn in FY 2018/2019, compared to $ 8.8 bn in five international oil companies -Royal Dutch FY 2017/2018. On the other hand, the Petroleum Shell, Chevron, BP, Total, and ExxonMobil- for imports decreased by 7.6% to record $ 11.5 bn deepwater oil and gas exploration and production in FY 2018/2019, compared to $ 12.5 bn in FY off its western Mediterranean coast. Adding, The 2017/2018. Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) • The GOE succeeded in achieving self sufficiency signed an agreement with Bechtel to establish a in natural gas from 2018, and started the process $ 6.7 bn petrochemical plant and refinery in the of transforming into a regional energy trading hub Suez Canal Economic Zone. for natural gas, the government is also working on finalizing all petroleum projects on time, if Today, Egypt is becoming a key not earlier, to achieve its plans of self sufficiency regional hub for energy and a global and become an exporter instead of an importer of player in the industry. Over the last petroleum products in 2021/2022. few years it has made great strides in discovering and developing its energy • Great strides were being done in the field of resources, under the able and far- finding new discoveries, the most important of sighted leadership of its President. which is Zohr field With 30 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas which is believed to be the largest-ever OPEC– 2018 gas discovery in Egypt and the Mediterranean, Zohr is located within the Shorouk concession, approximately 190 km north of the city of Port Said.

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3- Achieving high levels of integrated human development:

Women’s Empowerment • Several Women’s Empowerment attainments in Egypt are setting new records, the most • Egypt has witnessed notable positive progress important of which could be stated as: on the women’s empowerment and gender » The first Egyptian, Arab and African equality agenda during the past six years. woman assigned as the National Security Progress is recognized on several levels, starting Advisor for the President of the Republic. with a strong political will to fulfill women’s constitutional rights, and commitment that is » 8 women Ministers are currently appointed evidence based as it becomes translated into in the Cabinet to form a high 25% of the strategies and programs that are implemented by government leaders for the first time state and non-state actors. The strong political and holding important non traditional will be created momentum and space that portfolios. enabled stakeholders, including youth, academic » The Egyptian parliament witnessed the institutions, legislators, religious leaders, rural highest rate ever of women representation in women, and many others to advocate for and history, accounting nearly for 15% of member commit to the empowerment of women and girls of House of Representatives members. at many levels. The Egyptian Constitution of 2014 » Third year female college students have established values of justice and equality and tallied 57% participation in the Presidential included more than 20 Constitutional Provisions Leadership Program. that guarantee the rights of women in all spheres of life. » The higher justice council announced the appointment of a woman deputy minister • President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi honored huge of justice for first time. number of women, who were described as ‘social fighters’. 2017 was decided to be named, » Female voters have reached the threshold ‘the women’s year’ as recognition for what they of 55% of total voters. did for their country. The highest women participation rate in ministerial cabinet 25% December 2019

• On 21 January 2020, GOE announced a partnership with Care Egypt Foundation (CEF) and Microsoft to launch a “ Women Empowerment Campaign” which will contribute to social, economic and human capital development in Egypt by equipping the upcoming and existing female workforce with future-ready skills.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 23 Achievements in Brief

• Egypt is the first Arab country and the second globally to develop a certification program for ILO praises the government and private sector based on the decision by the success of the gender equality seal. The Seal Manpower Ministry to provides Egyptian companies guidance on how to set up a gender equality address challenges for women, such as access to unit, noteworthy work, wage inequities, sexual harassment, work- that the unit aims at life balance and access to leadership positions. spreading the culture of Shauna olney Nearly Private sector companies have undergone gender equality as well a thorough process of assessment. as empowering women the Chief of the ILO ‘s and integrating themas Gender Equality and active participants in Diversity branch • Enhancing the anti-harassment law was the economy. considered from the very positive steps taken by the GOE to ensure Women rights against sexual harassment, the anti-harassment law was ratified and added as an amendment to the Egyptian penal code in June 2014, criminalizing sexual Egypt is the first Arab country and harassment for the first time. The law imposes jail the second globally to develop terms of no less than six months and/or fines of a certification program for EGP 3,000 to EGP 5,000 ($419 to $700) on those government and private sector who are found guilty of sexual harassment in based on the success of the gender public or private areas, with harassment defined equality seal as gestures or words or any modern means of communication.

Honoring Egyptian Women and ideal mother celebration 2018

24 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Enhancing Youth Capabilities We have put our • Empowering youth and promoting their youth on top of capabilities comes at the top priority of the GOE, segments that receive as youth are the cornerstone and focus of Egypt's attention and care vision for sustainable development 2030 Various for a future without a number of initiatives and programs to ensure conflict. We succeeded youth's full participation in the political, social, in creating a common cultural and economic fields are being witnessed ground where me President in this regard, the most important of which could meet and manage Abdel Fattah El Sisi be stated as follows : our differences in a civilized manner, and » on the level of political empowerment, establish an effective Egypt has witnessed the largest and continuous movement in its history to appoint youth in senior Executive positions in communication. a real step to integrate youth in executive work, in the same regard the GOE appointed 13 Deputy Government all of are all young people, most aged between 30 and 35. » In the context of empowering Youth economically, “Fekretak, Sherketak”, or “Your Idea, Your Company”, initiative was being launched to support young Egyptians with outstanding, out-of- the-box startup ideas. The platform offers entrepreneurs with 450 opportunities, as well as 40 courses to help them transform their ideas into actual, real-life projects. The Largest 13 deputy governors » With the aim of bridging the skills gap in the labor market, The ministry also launched a campaign, entitled “Development and Change” in April 2019, the Arab League’s Youth and Media Forum in Cairo Was also being held in the same regard in march 2019 to provide many youth from all over the Arab World with job and training opportunities.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 25 Achievements in Brief

Arab African Youth Forum

» With the aim of promoting the sports for development programs aiming recommendations of youth to top to promote the inclusivity of sports and policymakers around the world, The ensure girls participation in sports and Third edition of the world youth forum physical activity with life skills. It also (WYF) was being held in December aims to further young people’s civic 2019 in Sharm el sheikh, which is engagement through the civic education considered a global event that allows and adolescents and youth parliaments thousands of international young leaders programs. to express views, present ideas, and share » In order to allow young people from all experiences. governorates to exchange their visions » A rolling work plan (RWP) was being and points of views, A youth dialogue signed between the ministry of Youth platform known as “Youth Talk Dome” and Sports and the UNICEF in was being organized by the Ministry of October 2019 for the years 2020-2021 Higher Education and Scientific Research which mainly aims at strengthening youth along with Al-Alfi Human Resource programs as well as accelerating the Foundation, its main theme and topics government efforts to develop a National addresses Research, Innovation, Human youth policy, The partnership also Development & Education. promotes young people’s participation in

26 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Social protection » The GOE has embarked upon a gradual shift towards cash and semi cash transfer • While Following a very comprehensive economic programs, which have proven to be have reform, the GOE was also keen to care about a higher poverty reduction impact, the most important of which is Takaful and ensuring social solidarity through taking various Karama cash transfer which is launched measures on both the short and long term stated in collaboration with the World Bank. as follows: » With the aim of helping people living in » Short-term social protection: which underprivileged areas Hayah Karima or aims at alleviating economic hardships “decent life initiative” was being and offsetting the impact of the fiscal launched, in its first phase, Egypt will aid consolidation measures on the poorest and 377 villages in 11 different governorates most vulnerable sectors of the population. until June 2020, The aid consists of » Longer-term human capital formation: providing drinking water lines, ceiling to help empower the poor and enable roofless buildings and houses, and them to directly benefit from economic donating blankets and furniture to at least growth, breaking the recurrence of inter- three mn people in the governorates. generational poverty cycles. » GOE launched Lifeboat initiative, which aimed at raising awareness on the dangers • GOE increased the allocations of social of leaving the country illegally as well as protection programs in budget in FY providing secure alternatives. 2018/2019 to LE 299.9 bn, compared to LE 187 » In the context of caring about homeless bn during FY 2016/2017. children, The “Homeless children” Many initiatives are being taken during last years program was being issued to shelter and in the context of achieving social solidarity, protect thousands homeless children in the most important of which could be stated as governorates. follows:

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 27 Achievements in Brief

» Within the context of helping people with disabilities, the first charitable investment fund to support people with disabilities are being launched in Egypt known as “Atta Fund” under the joint sponsorship of the government, civil society and the private sector to finance projects for caring for people with disabilities. » In the same regard, the ministry of social solidarity will be launching integrated smart cards service program covering Egypt’s disabled community to provide all services, including health empowerment, educational integration, and others. » 8 centers have been developed to host and guide Egyptian women, which is one of the services provided by the Ministry of Social Solidarity in cooperation with partner NGOs.

28 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Education

• Education is an important Part of the GOE’s strategy to build up its citizens’ competency. Egypt wants to ensure that students graduate with life skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, in line with the UN’s Education 2030 Framework for Action towards lifelong learning based on a core set of competencies. » Teachers are inducted into several • In this context, the GOE has established a new professional development to improve their comprehensive educational system based on skills and ensure that they are equipped perception and advanced technology. with effective tools on how to deliver the new curriculum and implement the new • Reforms to the education system were rolled out assessment methodology. in all public schools in September 2018. To be implemented in phases, kindergarten and first year primary school children were the first to start the new academic year under the revised curriculum, while examination reforms were introduced at the secondary level.

• The new educational system is considered to be one of the leading experiences in developing education for many reasons stated as follows: » The new curriculum, modelled on the » While public education remains free, Japanese Tokkatsu education system, private and international schools are also which encourages soft skills such as available in Egypt to offer diversified character building and tolerance, and education and to meet the growing enhances Critical-thinking skills. demand of educational services, in » he new education system supports this context the ministry of education E-learning, which is based on providing is also keen on imposing a ceiling on tablets to students free of charge , fee increases, where the maximum together with providing classrooms with increase was determined at 14% during high-speed internet access. FY 2017/2018 and 7% for each year thereafter, A more equitable approach was taken regarding Arabic private schools and cooperative schools, with fee increases ranging from 7% to 11%.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 29 Achievements in Brief

» The Egyptian Japanese Schools is also considered an attempt towards bettering the educational system in Egypt. The GOE is enforcing an ambitious plan to build 100 Japanese-style state schools which will teach the same Arabic-language curriculum as other state schools, while adopting the Japanese “whole child education” system known as Tokkatsu.

• Within the framework of the growing Egyptian support and interest in the higher education and scientific research sector, key achievements could be stated as follows:

» The higher education budget has increased by 23%, to reach 47.4 bn pounds in the draft budget for 2019/2020, compared to 38.5 bn pounds in 2018/2019.

» 3 new government universities were opened in Luxor, Matrouh and the New Valley, and the start of studies with them at a cost of 750 mn pounds.

» 3 new technology universities were opened in New Cairo, Beni Suef and Quesna, and 6 technology institutes were also opened during the academic year 2019/2020. » Three branches of international universities were launched in the administrative capital in 2019/2020. » The number of Egyptian universities included in the US global rankings increased to 14 universities in 2020, compared to 11 universities in 2019.

30 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Healthcare

• Egypt is moving ahead with the new comprehensive healthcare system at a rapid pace, The new system gives beneficiaries the freedom to choose their health service providers and reduces personal spending on medical care, Under the new system, citizens will head for the nearest health unit to their place of residence and conduct any type of medical tests they need.

• The new healthcare system is slated to cover all of Egypt’s governorates in six phases by 2032, In December 2019, Egypt’s new healthcare insurance system covered 2/3 of Port Said citizens.

• Egypt has some leading models for hospitals offering high quality healthcare services, such as :

» Children's Cancer Hospital - Egypt 57357 which aims at curing kids with cancer for free regardless of race, creed, or ability to pay with Justice in Quality.

» Magdi Yacoub Heart Center in Aswan, • Many initiatives took place during last years to which was founded by surgeon Magdi provide better healthcare services for citizens all Yacoub in Aswan to provide free medical over the country:, the most important achievements services at the highest level to Egyptians, in this regard comes as follows: particularly less fortunate children. It is worth mentioning that Ruler of Dubai » GOE launched the last phase of the “100 Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Million Healthy Lives initiative”, which held a ceremony honouring the "Arab aims at screening more than 52 mn citizens Hope Makers" initiative in Feb 2020 that for hepatitis C (HCV) while The third has raised donations worth EGP 360 mn phase was launched in governorates of ( AED 88 mn) for the Magdi Yacoub Global Giza, Gharbia, Sharqia, Dakahlia, Wadi Heart Foundation in Aswan. Gadid, Qena, and Menya, targeting around 23.4 mn citizens

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 31 Achievements in Brief

» The GOE started an initiative for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer, which targets screening 28 mn women over one year. » “Nour Hayah” initiative aims was also one of the very positive initiatives which aims at treating Egyptians‘ eyes, performing corneal transplants, and providing medical glasses, together with launching a medical survey of children’s sight strength. Benefiting from the sum of EGP 1 bn it possesses . » The GOE also intensify its efforts to transfer Egypt’s health and medical expertise to other African countries for curing 1 mn Africans

• Despite the Fact that the Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the first coronavirus case of a foreigner was in Egypt on Friday 14/02/2020, but the GOE has implemented a contingency plan and took Our commitment to preventive measures across the country’s ports the healthcare is not of entry and municipal health offices and has restricted only locally, stressed the importance of raising alert levels in but it extends to the all of Egypt’s airports and other ports of entry. African continent among priorities of our presidency of the African Union. Now, we are seeking President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to generalize “One Million Hundred Health” Initiative in cooperation with the World Health Organization in the African countries, within the African Union’s Development Agenda 2063.

32 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

4- Expanding political participation and modernizing the cultural environment:

Enhancing Human Rights Praise from the European Union and the United Nations for the Egyptian efforts

• The year 2019 witnessed a remarkable • Johannes Hahn, the European Commissioner development in supporting and strengthening for the European Neighborhood Policy, praised the Egyptian human rights file, as Egypt was the great and effective efforts made by Egypt able to achieve tangible progress in all rights in to combat terrorism and illegal immigration, the civil, political, economic, social and cultural and Filippo Grandi expressed the UNHCR’s fields, protecting the rights of women, children appreciation for the efforts made by Egypt in and persons with disabilities, qualifying and hosting large numbers of refugees of different empowering young people, refugee rights, and nationalities and its concern for their treatment as fighting corruption Illegal immigration and citizens, and its success In preventing any illegal human trafficking, and spreading a culture of immigration from leaving the Egyptian coast for human rights. more than two years.

The success of Egyptian diplomacy Establishing the Supreme Permanent inreviewing the human rights file Committee for Human Rights

• In 2018, a decision was issued by the Prime • Egyptian diplomacy managed to achieve great Minister to establish and form the Supreme success in the universal periodic review in Permanent Committee for Human Rights. November 2019, by reviewing Egypt’s efforts in the fields of human rights, and responding to questions received from some countries, and was • The committee carries out a number of tasks able to obtain praises and appreciation by most among them: of the countries, including European countries » Setting the national human rights strategy which had condemned the Egyptian state in the and action plans for implementation by the periodic show on November 6, 2014. relevant authorities and following them up. Egypt takes over the presidency of the Arab » Monitor, study and address problems Network for National Institutions related to human rights in Egypt

• Egypt officially took over the presidency of » Preparing the file of Egypt, which is the Arab Network for National Human Rights presented in the universal periodic review Institutions, which is a regional organization that mechanism before the Human Rights includes national institutions for the promotion Council. and protection of human rights in the countries of the African continent

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 33 Achievements in Brief

Domestic Developments

• In April 2019, voters approved amendments to restored in all border governorates, such as North the constitution that extend Sisi’s current term Sinai. until 2024 and permit him to run for a third term, • Since its inception, the comprehensive operation potentially keeping him in office until 2030. has carried out the operations of destroying The amendments also granted the president the explosive devices stores, targeting the hiding authority to appoint all chief justices of Egyptian places of the Takfiri elements, and proceeding judicial bodies and the public prosecutor. towards the ultimate goal of a comprehensive Fighting Terrorism cleansing of terrorism and controlling the borders extending with Libya, with a length of more than • Egypt has had many successes in fighting 1300 km. terrorism over more than 5 years, especially when terrorist groups were active after the June • The terrorism index in Egypt has declined due to 30, 2013 revolution in an attempt by the terrorist the success of the security services in dismantling Brotherhood. dozens of extremist cells, and their ability to col- lect information and monitor the movements of • The comprehensive operation carried out by organizations. the Egyptian authorities in February 2018 was

34 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Cultural Development » The Ministry of Culture has sponsored dozens of talented people in various fields through talent development centers. • Egypt has taken a number of measures during 2019 to develop cultural institutions, activate their » Promoting cultural justice in remote role, achieve cultural justice, develop talented and needy border areas, which includes: introducing a new program for cultural people, confirm Egypt’s cultural leadership, integration for the people of border support cultural industries, and protect heritage. regions, implementing the celebrations The most important achievements are as follows: of the Egyptian Capital of Culture » Some of the cultural facilities were and developing the south of the valley replaced and renovated, raising the through a development plan that targeted efficiency, rehabilitation and insurance 19 villages in Minya and Beni Suef where of others, in addition to including new they were completed 356 girls trained facilities within the cultural service, as in traditional and traditional handicrafts, 21 cultural centers were opened and which are one of the elements and restarted. vocabulary of identity. » The Ministry of Culture implemented » Confirmation of Egypt’s cultural 78089 cultural activities including: leadership globally through the evenings, seminars, salons, cultural implementation of more than 20 conferences, fine exhibitions, cinematic, international events inside Egypt theatrical and artistic performances, » Supporting cultural industries in which directly benefited millions of the magazines of film, music, books, citizens across Egypt. publishing and reviving heritage crafts. » 55 book fairs were organized at » Protection and promotion of cultural the level of the governorates of the heritage, as Egypt succeeded during and a group of cultural festivals Republic 2019 in importing two manuscripts before were organized. selling them in public auctions abroad.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 35

Egypt’s Ranking in International Indicators

International institutions praise confirms the soundness of governmental policies in various fields, especially in the economic field, as it reflects the confidence of the international community in restoring the stability of the economy. During last years, considerable improvements have been witnessed in Egypt’s ranking in different international indicators, which are being tackled in this section.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 37 Egypt’s ranking in International Indicators

Egypt’sEgypt granked 92nd in Global tt Digital Readiness Index index ts for 2019:

• CISCO recently published the Global Digital Egypt's ranking in the sub-indicators Egypt gt Readiness index for 2019 which point out that ss Egypt ranked 92nd out of a total of 141 countries 120 77 worldwide, while Singapore ranked first. o CISCO recently published the gt pt 101 Business & 80 Readiness index• Thefor index2019 developedwhich point a frameworkout that and model to Government Investment nd Egypt ranked 92 out of a total of 141 countries ttp define digital readiness, measure countries’ digital Basic Needs worldwide, while Singapore ranked first. 94 Et readiness, and this through 7 sub indicators that 81 The index developed a framework and model to o showed in opposite infograph. gy 93 define digital readiness, measure countries’ ptTechnology 93 Infrastructure digital readiness,• Fromand the globalthis throughview, the 7worldsub average digital Es g Ease of Doing indicators that showedreadinessin scoreopposite recordedinfograph 11.9,. where Singapore sss 81 Business came in the first place followed by Luxembourg 94 then USA. While chad, Eritrea and Liberia were gy 80 sttTechnology st th th 101 being ranked in the least places 141 , 140 , 139 Adoption Egypt s g t s s respectively. 77 Start-Up 120 Environment sss t stt o Egypt managed to join the Bloomberg Index of Human Capital Innovative Countries 2020, as It ranked 58th globally on the listEgyptthat includesjoins Bloomberg60 countries Index. of Innovative Economies 2020:

o The index introduce• Egypt managedhow the to joinformula the Bloombergfor Index of innovation canInnovativebe identified, Countries 2020,and aswhat It came in the 58th companies, andrankgovernments, globally on theneed list thatto doincludesto 60 countries. reproduce it • The index introduce how the formula for th o The UAE ranked firstinnovationin the Arab can beworld identified,and the and44 what companies, globally, then Saudiand governments,Arabia in the need53th toplace, do toand reproduce it Germany ranked first in the world, while South • On the Global level, Germany came in the first Korea came second and Singapore in third place. rank, while South Korea came second followed by Singapore in the third place. The UAE came in the 44th place globally, and the first within Arab Countries, followed by Saudi Arabia who came th the second within Arab countries andInformation in the 53 and Decision Support Center - IDSC 33 place globally.

38 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Egypt was the Most Active Venture Capital market in MENA last year with 25% of all Transactions in the Region: Egypt was the Most Active Venture Capital • MENAmarket Venture in MENA Investment last Reportyear with2019 25%– which of all• Ono Onthe theotherother sideside thethe UAEUAE remainsremains thethe largestlargest publishedTransactions by MAGNiTT- in the Region: point out in spite of recipientrecipient of ventureof venture fundingfunding byby valuevalue (60%(60% ofof thethe Egypt’s share of total number of seed funding total),total), whilewhile EgyptEgypt followedfollowed withwith 14%.14%. MENA Venture Investment Report 2019 – which oagreements fell 1% on y-o-y, but it had the largest • while Saudi Arabia was the fastest-growing by numberpublished of transactions.by MAGNiTT- point out in spite of o while Saudi Arabia was the fastest-growing by number and value of transactions announced. Egypt’s share of total number of seed funding number and value of transactions announced. agreements fell 1% on y-o-y, but it had the largest number of transactions.

Source: MAGNiTT Source: MAGNiTT

Egypt remains in the same Rank in Global Food Security Index 2019:

• According to the Global Food Security Index 2019 – Egypt’s nine points of strength in the Global Egypt remains in the same Rank in Global Food Thefood 9 security strengths index points 2019 which was published by The Economist Intelligence Security Index 2019: Unit- Argentina recorded the highest inflation rate 99.4 forAccording food pricesto the inGlobal the pastFood yearSecurity recordingIndex 201951%,– Food safety o 82 followedwhich was by publishedTurkey 25%by andThe EgyptEconomist 19%. IntelligenceIn spite of Food loss 87.6 Urban this rise Egypt recorded the same rank 55 with score 78.5 absorption 90 Unit- Argentina recorded the highest inflation rate capacity Change in 92.8 Micronutrient average 64.5 on y-o-y. Sufficiency availability for food prices in the past year recording 51%, food costs of supply followed by Turkey 25% and Egypt 19%. In spite of • Higher food prices in Argentina and Turkey are a this rise Egypt recorded the same rank 55 with score 86 reflection of currency collapses, while in Egypt, Volatility of 64.6 on y-o-y. agricultural 95.7 production Proportion of rising costs may be attributable to recent economic population Higher food prices in Argentina and Turkey are a 75 under global oreforms and austerity measures. Presence and poverty line reflection of currency collapses, while in Egypt, quality of food rising costs may be attributable to recent economic safety net • The report for 9 points of strength. praised programmed reforms and austerity measures. Egypt for 9 strengths points shown clearly in the ooppositeThe report infomentioned graph. praised Egypt for 9 strengths points shown clearly in the opposite info graph.

Information34 Information and Decision Supportand Decision Center Support- IDSC Center - IDSC 39 Egypt :A path Forward for Economic Prosperity.

The Climate Change Performance Index 2020:

Egypt’s ranking in International Indicators With a comparatively low level of current total greenhouse gas per capita emissions further emission reductions over recent years, and an ambitious 2030 target Egypt is rated high for its performance in the Egypt leapfrogs South Africa, Nigeria in startup investments: category.

Egypt leapfrogs South Africa, Nigeria in startup • Total startup funding in Egypt in 2019 increased The changesThe on changes y-o-y in in terms terms of total of Total Funding investments: by 215% on y-o-y to hit USD 211 mn, according Funding Egypt to Partecho TotalAfrica’sstartup 2019funding report.in Egypt in 2019 increased by 215% on y-o-y to hit USD 211 mn, according to Partech • Egyptian Africastartups’s 2019 attractedreport. the third-highest Nigeria

number oofEgyptian investmentsstartups attracted in Africathe third in- highesttermsnumber of of volume andinvestments value. in Africa in terms of volume and value.

o Egypt surpassed South Africa in total fundraising for South Africa • Egypt surpassedthe first Southtime andAfricaalso inedged totalout fundraisingNigeria by total for the firstnumber time andof investments also edged. Throughout out Nigeriathe byyear, 12 total numberstartups of raisedinvestments.funding rounds Throughoutworth USD the5 mn or year, 12 startupsmore. raised funding rounds worth USD 5 mn or more.

-18% 144% 215%

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 35

The Climate Change Performance Index 2020:

With a comparatively low level of current total greenhouse gas per capita emissions further emis- sion reductions over recent years, and an ambi- tious 2030 target Egypt is rated high for its per- formance in the category.

40 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Egypt is among the top 5 countries in the resilience of their labour markets:

• Egypt ranked 67th globally with 52 degrees, out Egypt’s successes factors in the Global Labour of the total 100 and ranked 7th between the Arab Resilience Index 2019 countries.

• The Index is a ranking of over 120 countries on their ability to foster resilient labour markets. It also aims to identify key areas of intervention- through two main pillars- to help prepare citizens and employees for the future of work. 1. Structure pillar: Egypt ranks (34) globally with a score of 78. it occupies fifth place after UAE, Lebanon, Tunisia and Jordan. 2. Policy pillar: Egypt ranked 85 globally, moving 18 places forward compared to 2015.

Egypt’s ranking witnessed enhancement in Global Peace Index 2019:

• In this year, Egypt was being ranked as the The countries state of peace 136th most peaceful country globally out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index, moving forward seven places, and recording considerable improvement for the first time since 2015.

• The Global peace Index presents a comprehensive analysis on peace, its economic value, trends, and how to develop peaceful societies. And has three main domain including: the level of Societal Safety and Security, the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and the degree of Militarization.

• During this year, all three-domain scores witnessed improvement, most notably: Ongoing Conflict, which also improved for the first time since 2015.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 41 Egypt’s ranking in International Indicators

• Egypt was also considered as the third best powerful state globally out of 73 countries. country which witnessed improvements in state Egypt’s ranking witnessed enhancement as it was of peace as it achieved more in enhancing peace, ranked 29th out of 80 countries in 2018. security and political stability. • The global ranking of top 10 countries witnessed • In addition, Egypt increased its UN peacekeeping no change this year compared to the last year, funding and reduced its military expenditure (% whereas US still ranks as the most powerful state GDP) and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities. followed by Russia and China.

Egypt ranks 9 out of 138 in Global fire Egypt ranks 8th globally, 2nd in MENA in power Index 2020 Gallup’s Law and Order Index 2019

• In the Global fire power index (2020), Egypt • Egypt is one of the best performers in this index, ranks 9 out of 138 countries considered for the With Highest Law and Order Index Scores, since it annual GFP review: It holds a PwrIndx rating of ranks the 8th over the globe with score around 92. 0.1872. It comes in this rank after Singapore, Tajikistan, United Arab of Emirates, Norway, Turkmenistan, • Egypt ranks first with respect to Arab countries, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan. followed by Saudi Arabia (12th). • Egypt is one of the best performers in the Arab Egypt ranked 25th most powerful state globally region as well, since it ranked 2nd in the region after United Arab of Emirates.

• According to The world’s most powerful countries index 2020, Egypt ranked 25th among the most

42 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC

Egypt Open for Business (Investment Climate in Focus)

Egypt is one of the top countries in the world for attracting investments, especially for value-add investments among the major developing economies. During last years, Egypt had also managed to drastically improve the investment climate, making the country more appealing to investors. This section represents a closer look at the investment climate in Egypt during the last 10 years, as it starts with presenting the investment climate in Egypt from the eyes of international institutions, a closer look on the investment indicators within the last 10 years was being analyzed afterwards, and the section ends up with highlighting some of the mega projects which are being implemented during last years reflecting a new phase for development .

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 45 Investment Climate in Focus

• Egypt capitalizes on a range of competitive • Egypt was being praised by many international advantages that makes it pivotal Middle East institutions, for creating a more enabling business investment destination, including a prime environment, the most important reports in this geographical location, low costs and skilled regard could be presented as follows: workforce, a conducive investment environment. Moreover, its growing population constitutes a non-negligible market in the region. Egypt is Africa’s number one • The GOE represented by its elected president investment destination for the third who, together with the assistance of a technocratic straight year. economic cabinet, has successfully embarked on a bold economic reform program that addressed Rand Merchant Bank Report -2020. a number of deep-seated issues which helped in stabilizing the economy, and creating more • According to Rand Merchant Bank, Egypt was enabling investment environment. being praised for making significant strides in changing their business environment, during • The most important procedures taken in this the past three years, and improving external regard includes: pound floatation, a reduction investment into the market and growing their in fuel and electricity subsidies, imposing taxes own industries, Many Economic and political including the value-added tax (VAT), all with achievements were all hailed as key to Egypt the aim of trimming the budget deficit, beside being an attractive investment destination, listed issuing new investment law in 2017 that reduce as follows: barriers to how international companies invest and operate in Egypt. » Currency Devaluation: Egypt took some critical economic decisions to devalue their • To ensure a more enabling investment climate, currency to be more reflective of what’s the investment minister’s responsibilities have happening in the market. Even though these been delegated to incumbent Prime Minister were tough decisions, in the long run it will Mostafa Madbouly in December 2019, who help with structural changes in the economy. has been appointed as the competent minister of » Controlling Unemployment: government investment. a ministerial investment committee made changes to address the unhappiness was being formed under his chairmanship to draw of the youth by initiating programs to help the investment strategies , with the membership of: with youth unemployment. the Governor of the Central Bank, and number of » Changing Trade policies: The Government affiliated ministries. changed a number of trade policies to make it easier for countries to trade with Egypt. » Introducing Pro-business Reforms: the government has become pro-business by industrializing their own economy through the implementation of pro-business reforms. استثمر فى مصر

46 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Better Country risk classification according to Upgraded sovereign credit rating according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation Fitch, Moody’s, Standard & poor’s agencies and Development (OECD)

• In its statement, OECD confirms that • Moody’s agency: improved Egypt’s sovereign investment risks in Egypt have dropped from credit rating at (B2 stable) in 2019 compared to six in 2018 to five in 2019, The organization (B3) in 2018, The country’s credit strengths include attributed the progress achieved to the reforms a strong track record of reform implementation implemented by the Egyptian government, which and continued reform commitment, its large improved the investment climate in the country and diversified economy, a large domestic and created a supportive environment for doing funding base and replenished foreign exchange businesses. reserves. Following annual growth of 5.6% in FY 2018/2019, Moody’s expects further convergence • Out of 201 countries included in the report, Egypt, to 6% by 2021. Albania, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan were the only states, whose classification witnessed • Fitch Rating agency: upgraded Egypt’s Long- progress. Term sovereign credit for Foreign Currency Issuer Default Rating in 2019 to (B+) with outlook stable compared to (B) in 2018, which reflects • The country risk classifications encompasses more stable and promising Macroeconomic transfer and convertibility risk (i.e. the risk a Performance. government imposes capital or exchange controls that prevent an entity from converting local • Standard & Poor’s (S&P) agency: the (B) rating currency into foreign currency and/or transferring for the Egyptian Economy is an encouraging sign funds to creditors located outside the country) and for the Foreign investors, S&P expected that the cases of force majeure (e.g. war, expropriation, Egyptian economy will grow by about 5.7% in the revolution, civil disturbance, floods, earthquakes). current FY 2019/2020, and that both the budget deficit and unemployment rate would decline in 2020. Moreover, S&P mentioned that national

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 47 Investment Climate in Focus

Egypt advanced in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report six places:

Egypt :A path Forward for Economic Prosperity. projects, such Egyptas the :A Suezpath Forward Canal for Economic Economic Prosperity.Zone, the New Administrative Capital, will maintain the Egypt advanced in the World Bank's Doing Egypt Rank inin Doing BusinessBusiness duringduring thethe growthEgypt achievedBusiness advanced in2020 thein the constructionreport World six Bank' places: sectors Doing. Egypt Rankperiodperiod in Doing( (20162016 Business--20202020 )during) the Business 2020 report six places: period (2016-2020) (SCORE) 114114 outout of of 190 190ˇ th (SCORE) 122122 114 Egypt ranked 114 out of 190 countries. The report outout of of 190 190ˇ out of 190ˇ • Egypt ranked 114th out of 190 countries. The 122 th 122122outout ofof 128128 outout ofof Egypt ranked 114 out of 190 countries. out of 190 The report 190190ˇ 190190ˇ ˇ covers 12 areas of business regulation, 10 of them are 131 out of 122 out of 128 out of report covers 12 areas of business regulation, 10 189ˇ 190 60.160.1 covers 12 areas of business regulation, 10 of them are 131 out of ˇ 190ˇ 189 58.5 60.1 ofincluded them arein includedthe ease inof thedoing easebusiness of doingscore businessand ease ˇ 58.5 included in the ease of doing business score and ease 56.6 58.5 of doing business ranking, beside employing workers 56.6 56.256.2 score and ease of doing business ranking, beside 56.6 of doing business ranking, beside employing workers 54.4 56.2 employingand contracting workerswith theandgovernment contracting. with the 54.4 and contracting with the government. 54.4 government. The Report tackled the reforms Egypt undertook to 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 The Report tackled the reforms Egypt undertook to 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 enhance its investment climate in the FY 2018/2019, 2016Rank 2017 2018 2019 2020 enhance its investment climate in the FY 2018/2019, Rank • Thewhere ReportEgypt tackledsucceeded the reformsin achieving Egypt undertookconsiderable Source: World Bank, Doing Business Report, Various Editions. where Egypt succeeded in achieving considerable Source: World Bank, Doing Business Report, Various Editions. toimprovement enhance itsin investment4 main business climateregulations in thelisted FY as improvement in 4 main business regulations listed as 2018/2019,follows: where Egypt succeeded in achieving follows: considerableo Starting improvementa business: Egypt in 4 mademain startingbusinessa EgyptEgypt Rank Rank in in EaseEase ofof DoingDoing Business Business Sub Sub o businessStartingeasiera businessby abolishing: Egyptthemaderequirementstarting toa Egypt Rank inIndicatorsIndicators Ease of Doing 2020 Business Sub regulations listed as follows: Indicators 2020 obtainbusinessaeasiercertificateby abolishingof nonthe confusionrequirementandto Rank Score improvingobtain a itscertificateone-stop shopof .non confusion and Rank Score Egypt's rank improving its one-stop shop. Indicator Improvement in » Starting a business: Egypt made starting Egypt's2020rank (MENA Region and Indicator SubImprovementIndicator Rank in (Egypt) Getting electricity 2020(190 (MENANorth Region Africa)and o : Egypt became 77 in 2020 SubcomparedIndicator to 2019Rank (Egypt) a business easier by abolishing the countries)(190 North Africa) comparedGetting electricityto 96 in: 2019Egypt, asbecameit improved77 in 2020the compared to 2019 o requirement to obtain a certificate of non countries) reliabilitycompared oftoelectricity96 in 2019supply, as byit improvedimplementingthe Starting a 90 19 places 87.8 84 reliabilityconfusionof electricityand improvingsupply itsby one-stopimplementing shop. Startingbusiness a automated systems to monitor and report power 90 19 places 87.8 84 outagesautomated. systems to monitor and report power business Getting outages. 77 19 Places 77.9 72.4 electricityGetting » Getting electricity: Egypt became 77 in 77 19 Places 77.9 72.4 Protecting minority investors: Egypt electricity o 2020 compared to 96 in 2019, as it improved o strengthenedProtecting minorityminorityinvestorinvestorsprotections: Egyptby Protecting requiringstrengthenedthe reliabilityshareholderminority of electricityinvestorapprovalprotectionswhen supplylisted by Protectingminority 57 15 Places 64 51.9 investorsminority 57 15 Places 64 51.9 companiesrequiringimplementingshareholderissue new automatedsharesapproval. systemswhen listed to investors companiesmonitor issueand reportnew shares power. outages. Paying taxes: Egypt made paying taxes easier Paying taxes 156 3 Places 55.1 75.1 o Paying taxes 156 3 Places 55.1 75.1 o byPayingimplementingtaxes: Egyptan onlinemadesystempayingfortaxesfilingeasierand »paymentby Protectingimplementingof corporate minorityan onlineincome systeminvestors:taxforandfiling Egyptvalueand payment of corporate income tax and value Source: World Bank, Doing Business in 2020. addedstrengthenedtax. minority investor protections Source: World Bank, Doing Business in 2020. addedby requiringtax. shareholder approval when listed companies issue new shares.

» Paying taxes: Egypt made paying taxes easier by implementing an online system for filing and payment of corporate income tax and value added tax.

48 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 43 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 43 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Egypt advanced in the Global Competitiveness report 2019 one step forward

• Egypt ranked 93rd in the Global Competitiveness Index out of 141 countries, up from 94th in 2018, (Rank)Egypt Rank in Global competitiveness Index during the period (2016-2019) and tenth among Arab countries, according to the Global Competitiveness Report for 2019 issued 2019 93 by the World Economic Forum with a score of 54.5. 2018 94

2017 100 • Out of the 12 pillars, Egypt performed higher than the regional average in Infrastructure and Market 2016 116 Size, scoring 73.1 and 73.6 respectively, while the MENA averages were 70.5 and 69.9 respectively. 0 50 100 150 Source: World Bank, Doing Business Report, Various Editions

• Taking global rankings in each pillar into Egypt Rank in Global Competitiveness account, Egypt’s highest ranking of 23 came in Sub Indicators 2019

market size. Egypt’s global rankings in 8 of the 12 Egypt Egypt Rank compared Sub Indicator Rank pillars improved in 2019 from last year, while it to 2019 (141 Country) remained the same for Macroeconomic Stability A. Enabling Environment and Education & Skills. Ins�tu�ons 82 20 places Infrastructure 52 4 places Under the pillar of Institutions, among the Macroeconomic • 135 - sub-indicators: Egypt performed well in the Stability Government’s Response to Change (23), ICT Adop�on 106 6 places Management of Shareholders’ Equity (28), B. Human Capital Property Rights (34), and Renewable Energy Health 104 5 places Regulation (32). Skills 99 - C. Markets Product Market 100 21 places • Under Infrastructure, Egypt ranked in the top 20 Labour Market 126 4 places of the world with regards to Communications Financial System 92 7 places with International Shipping Networks (18). Other Market Size 23 One Place well performed areas were Quality of Road D. Innova�on Ecosystem Business 95 2 Places Infrastructure (28), Efficiency of Seaport (41) and Dynamism Air Freight (46) services, as well as Quality of Innova�on 61 3 Places Road Networks (48). Capability Source: World Economic Forum. Global Competitiveness Report, (2019)

* The GCI varies between 1 and 100, higher average score means higher degree of competitiveness.

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 49 Investment Climate in Focus

Investment Indicators….AEgypt :A path Forward forcloser Economic Look Prosperity.

Investment Indicators….A closer Look:

1.Total Implemented Investment Total Implemented Investment during the period (%) (LE Billion) (2009/2010-2018-2019) 1000 25 • Investment facilitation efforts have resulted in 19.5 800 17 17.9 20 a surge in the implemented investments, which 17.1 15.3 15.4 15 600 13.4 13.6 14.3 15 increased from LE 235.3 bn in FY 2009/2010 to 940 407.5 747 400 349.2 530 10 LE 940 bn in FY 2018/2019, representing 19.5 258.1 290.6 235.3 234.5 248.6 % and 17.9 % of GDP, respectively. The increase 200 5 in total implemented investment especially after 0 0 the declaration of the economic reform program announced by the government in 2016 has restored

investor confidence, which contributed to the Total Implemented Investments percentage of Total Investment to GDP Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development provision of more job opportunities, especially Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in light of the investment incentives, and the promising opportunities in the Mega projects. Public versus Private Investment during the period (LE Billion) (2009/2010-2018-2019) 500 2.Public and private share of implemented 480460 400 404.73 investment: 316.4 300 270.8 210.62 243.5 185.92 181.42 200 126.74 141.68 153.52145.71154.62 • Private sector’s investments contributed by 147.49 105.09 95.9 110.47 LE 480 bn in FY 2018/2019, representing 51% 100 87.39 92.55 of total implemented investments, and nearly 0 9% of the GDP during the same year. While the public investment contributed by LE 460 bn in Private Investment Public Investment FY 2018/2019, representing nearly 8.6% of the Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development GDP. Public and Private Investment • The considerable efforts of the Egyptian as a % of GDP during the period(%) (%) government in implementing mega projects is (2009/2010-2018-2019) 20.0 the main reason behind increasing the public 15.0 8.7 6.4 8.6 investment especially during the last 4 years, 5.5 6.7 7.0 9.1 5.2 5.2 6.0 the most important of which is: The new 10.0 10.5 10.3 9.2 administrative capital, The Suez Canal Economic 5.0 7.8 7.3 7.6 7.8 7.8 7.1 9.0 zone, West Qantara Zone, the Grand Egyptian 0.0 Museum.

private Investment as a percentage of GDP Public Investment as a percentage of GDP Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development 1 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC

50 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

Egypt :A path Forward for Economic Prosperity.

3.Development3- Development ofof investmentinvestment companies companies Number of Newly Established Companies (company) and issued capital during the period (Billion LE) (2009/2010-2017/2018) • During the Period from (2009/2010-2017/2018), 20000 54.8 19836 60 48.9 15200 50 the Number of newly established companies 15000 12083 40 822910405 increased from 7270 company in FY 2009/2010 10000 7006 8943 30 7270 6209 20 – with a total issued capital of LE 19.2 bn - to 5000 19.2 12 11.3 11.7 25.1 13.2 16.9 10 19836 company in FY 2017/2018 - with a total 0 0 issued capital of LE 48.9 bn.

4.Foreign Direct Investment: 4- Foreign Direct Investment: number of companies issued capital

Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development • As a result of the GOE’s intensive efforts and Source: Ministry of Planning and Economic Development actions towards attracting more investments, Egypt has been ranked as the top African country Net FDI in Egypt in 2019 compared to African (US $ Billion) countries in this regard – according to the UNCTAD’s 10 latest Global Investment Trends Monitor, with a 8.3 8 5% increase in inflows to USD 8.5 bn, compared 6 5 to USD 5 bn in south Africa, USD 2 bn in both 4 3.4 2.5 2 2 Uganda and Morocco. 2 0 Egypt South Nigeria Ethiopia Morocco Uganda • While FDI to the country was still driven africa Source: UNCTAD. by the oil and gas sector, major investments Source: UNCTAD. in the non-oil economy emerged, notably in telecommunications, real estate and tourism. Despite the increase in Egypt, FDI to North Africa declined by 11% to USD 14 bn, due to a significant (45%) slowdown in flows to Morocco (USD 2 bn from USD 3.6 bn in 2018).

• Among the most important instruments for attracting investment are Special Economic Zones, Especially for industrial development. Worthy noting Egypt has 10 SEZ to be one of the five highest African countries. GOV keen to expand SEZ within the governorates seeking to raise their numbers. Opening New SEZ in Banha-Qalyubia OpeningGovernorate New SEZ in Banha

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 1

Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC 51 Investment Climate in Focus

Mega projects... The new phase for 2. Suez Canal Economic Zone Development • Suez Canal Region is the main axis of economic development in Egypt. The project targets 1. The New administrative capital developing more than 461 square kilometers to establish one of the largest industrial complexes The new administrative capital will strengthen • and ports globally. The country aims to achieve and diversify the country’s economic potential by this by increasing the capacity of ports and quays creating new places to live, work and visit for 7 mn in ports providing main logistical services and people. To draw people to this new city, a series establishing some navigational maintenance of key catalyst developments will be established activities such as bunkering, shipbuilding and at its core. This will include a new government repair. administrative district, a cultural district and a wide variety of urban neighborhoods.

• The new city is located 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Cairo and just outside the Second Greater Cairo Ring Road in a currently largely undeveloped area halfway to the seaport city of Suez. According to the plans, the city would become the new administrative and financial capital of Egypt, housing the main government departments and ministries, as well as foreign embassies. 3.New Al Alamain City • The country estimates around USD 8 bn to be invested in the new capital within the coming 10 • The New Alamein City is located in the North years. China is establishing an electric train with Coast and is set to be the first of its kind in the 11 stops and providing the wagons against a USD area, Designed to the high standards of what is 740 mn loan. The train will link the capital with called a fourth-generation city, the New Alamein main key cities and accelerate the migration of City is planned to hold mns of residents, hitting a locals to the new capital new milestone for the North Coast area. It comes with the new concept of an open-to-the-public tourism city on the North Coast, taking a different approach than the private resorts spread across the sea line.

• Aside from its touristic benefits, the New Alamein City also offers an alternative to living in the crowded capital of Cairo, aiming to reduce the residential burden on the shoulders of the City of a Thousand Minarets. It will be designed in a similar fashion to the New Administrative Capital which partly serves the same purpose.

52 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

4. Benban Solar Park also contains models, photographs, manuscripts, oil paintings, antiques, stone, pharaonic, Roman, • Benban solar park is a power complex of 41 solar Coptic, Islamic and modern times, as well as power plants being developed in Benban, located eight different exhibitions in the Aswan governorate,. • The site of the museum was chosen very • Benban Solar Park will be the biggest solar carefully. It is located in the Fustat area to be installation in the world. The solar park, named the headquarters of the Museum of Civilization. after a Nile River village nearby, will host 40 Fustat is the first Islamic capital of ancient Egypt, power plants. when all the plants are powered up, in addition to the site of the castle of Muhammad they will be capable of churning out a combined Ali, the fortress of Babylon and the complex of 1,650 megawatts of electricity enough to power religions and ancient Cairo and the pyramids of hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. Giza. Civilizations, in addition to the view of the That will help provide Egypt, a fast-growing oldest natural lake, Ein Sira Lake. country of more than 99 mn, with the clean energy it needs to drive growth and fight poverty.​ • The museum will also feature large temporary spaces for display, as well as a research and learning center, as well as an exhibit on the development of New Cairo. As well as the recreational activities to be provided by the museum to visitors.

Benban Solar Park has won a best-project annual award by the World Bank Group, which is the first time Egypt has won the World Bank award.

5.The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

• The National Museum is one of the largest museums of civilization in the world and the only one of its kind in the Arab world. The museum accommodates more than fifty thousand artifacts that tell the stages of the development of Egyptian civilization. To the present time. It

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Egypt’s International Relations

Egypt adopts an active foreign policy which aims to strengthen its foreign relations with countries, regional and international institutions, within the framework of its commitment to a set of constants that constitute the axes of external movement in a way that serves the interests of Egypt.

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• During the past two months, the Egyptian » December 21 and 22, 2019: The third round diplomatic movements witnessed a remarkable of technical consultations and discussions activity on the external level, which was was held to discuss all controversial issues translated through the multiplicity of foreign in Khartoum. visits, whether those carried out by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi or Minister of Foreign » January 8th, 2020: The fourth meeting of Affairs Sameh Shoukry. Egypt also received a ministers of water resources and technical significant number of country and international delegations from the three countries was organizations representatives. held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, with the participation of the World Bank • Egypt’s external movements could be addressed and the US Treasury. As a result, Egypt through seven main pillars, listed as follows: and Ethiopia declared the meeting ended without agreement.

Pillar 1: Addressing pressing issues: » January 13, 14, and 15, 2020: Washington hosts the delegations of the three countries, to assess the results of the previous four A. Rounds of negotiations related to the Issue meetings. The negotiations came out with of The Renaissance Dam an initial agreement to prepare a road map, which includes 6 items, the most important • In light of the complexity of the Renaissance of which is for Egypt to organize the filling Dam crisis and the escalation of the tone of the of the dam during periods of prolonged official Ethiopian speech, Washington decided drought. to intervene to play a mediating role between the three parties to the crisis, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, with the presence of the US Treasury Secretary and the President of the World Bank for the first time. A joint statement was issued on the sixth of November 2019, in which it was stated that, “It was decided to hold four urgent meetings of the three countries, at the level of water resources ministers and with the participation of representatives of the United States and the World Bank, ending with reaching an agreement on filling and operating the Renaissance Dam within two months, by mid-January 2020”.

• Hence, the most prominent stages of the » January 28, 2020: Washington hosted the negotiating rounds were as following : delegations of the three countries again, in the presence of representatives of the US » December 2 and 3, 2019: The second Treasury and the World Bank, in an attempt round of those meetings was held in Cairo. to resolve the crisis.

56 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

» January 31, 2020: Egypt, Sudan and 1.Arrangements with International Powers Ethiopia reached an agreement on only three points of contention regarding • On January 10, 2020, President Abdel Fattah the construction of controversial Grand El-Sisi received a phone call from the Russian Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), president Putin. Both leaders had exchanged views following four-day negotiations between on the latest developments in the Libyan issue, the three countries’ Ministers of Foreign as President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast Affairs and Water Resource in Washington stance towards the necessity of putting an end D.C., according to a joint communique. The to the volume of illegal foreign interventions in three countries agreed on : A schedule for a the Libyan issue that cast negative repercussions stage based filling plan of the Renaissance on the entire issue in all respects, it undermines Dam. A mechanism for the filling during efforts to achieve security and stability in Libya. drought, prolonged drought, and dry years, They also discussed the latest developments in A mechanism for the operationalization the Gulf, where mutual stress was placed on the during drought, prolonged drought, and importance of calmness and non-escalation in dry years. order to preserve the security and safety of the Gulf region. » Within the same context, The US drafted a document of agreement regarding the three above-mentioned points and was unilaterally signed by Egypt. They also agreed to address the issues related to the dam safety and to complete the studies on the environmental and social impacts of the dam construction.

» February 13, 2020: Negotiating rounds were held in Washington, D.C. on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) between the Foreign and Water Resources Ministers of Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and sponsored by U.S. Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin.

B. Libyan Crisis 2.Berlin Conference • The announcement of the Turkish Parliament on • President “Abdel Fattah Al-sisi” had participated January 2, 2020, that it agreed to send Turkish in Berlin conference on Libya with leaders of 12 forces to Libya directly threatened Egyptian countries plus the UN, EU, African Union and national security. Accordingly, Egypt made the Arab League. The world leaders had gathered to following moves: discuss the political situation of Libya and agreed on several points to find a constructive solution

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for the Libyan crisis, represented on the summit’s • The ministerial meeting aimed to discuss 55-point concluding paper, which is considered as the rapid developments on the Libyan scene, the starting point for further UN-led negotiations. exchange views between the Libyan neighboring Main points include: countries on the future steps in light of the results of the Berlin Conference, and find ways to push » Ending the military support for the country’s the ongoing efforts to reach a comprehensive warring factions. settlement that addresses all aspects of the Libyan crisis, In order to restore security and » Supporting Libya arms embargo. stability in Libya. This meeting is considered as an important mechanism to show the continuity » Setting a roadmap for political solution in of the successive ministerial meetings of the Libya. neighboring countries of Libya, which are held periodically and alternately between the capitals » Stopping the intervention in Libya internal of those countries. affairs.

» The Libyan parties participating in the Conference formed a military committee named 5 + 5, in order to conclude a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible. (5 members represent the forces loyal to the “Al-Wifaq” government, and 5 members represent the Libyan National Army.)

Pillar 2: Participation in international conferences

A. UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020: • President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson inaugurated 3. Participation in a ministerial meeting of the UK-Africa Investment Summit, which is Libya’s neighboring countries in Algeria held in London, on January 20, 2020, with the participation of 21 African heads of state and a number of businessmen and investors from Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry • Britain and African countries. participated in the ministerial meeting of the countries neighboring Libya which was held in • President El-Sisi stressed that the summit Algeria on January 23, 2020. represents a new addition to international action

58 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

to achieve the aspirations of the advancement of the African continent at various levels, and that the African continent confirms its full openness to cooperation with all partners, including Britain.

• (27 deals) that worth an estimated $8.5 bn (£6.5 bn) were signed at the UK-Africa Summit held on January 20.

• As a result, Airbus go sell £80 mn of aircraft for Egypt.

Pillar• 3: Strengthening bilateral relations

A. presidential Meetings:

• December 2: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi received the credentials of 9 new ambassadors, and wished them success in their duties in Cairo, B. Egypt partakes in UNCCT’s advisory stressing Egypt’s keenness on enhancing bilateral board meeting: relations with their countries in all fields. • Egypt’s Permanent Mission at the United Nations participated in the 19th meeting of the Advisory • December 9: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi Board of the UN Counter-Terrorism Center received the Minister of Defense of the Republic (UNCCT) at the body’s headquarters in New of Montenegro, and stressed Egypt’s keenness to York to review its plan for 2020. advance the aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The meeting • Egypt and Spain for being the co-facilitator of the witnessed discussions on ways to enhance seventh review of the Global Counter-Terrorism bilateral military cooperation including joint Strategy in 2020, wishing success for them. drills and exchange of experiences. • Meanwhile, Mohamed Idris, Egypt’s ambassador to UN, said Egypt appreciates the UNCCT’s role • December 10: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi in combating terrorism and building the member received the President of South Africa, and the states’ capacities to face dangers of terrorism. meeting witnessed a discussion of prospects of

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strengthening bilateral cooperation as it was levels, as well as working to raise the rates of agreed on the importance of holding the ninth trade exchange between the two countries, and session of the joint committee between the two support the development and capacity-building countries early next year 2020, to discuss areas of and cadres in Comoros. cooperation of mutual interest. • December 15: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi • December 11: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi received the Palestinian President Mahmoud received Senegalese President Macky Sall on the Abbas, and stressed the stability of the Egyptian sidelines of the first session of the Aswan Forum stance on the Palestinian issue and the separation for Peace and Sustainable Development. The of the two states and the establishment of a meeting between the two presidents discussed Palestinian state in terms of the 1967 borders with ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the field East Jerusalem as its capital. of combating terrorism and extremist ideology in the African continent. • December 15: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi received the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “FAO”, and discussed a number of topics of joint cooperation between Egypt and the organization, as well as ways to enhance development cooperation between Egypt, African countries and the organization.

• December 16: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi received the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization “UNIDO”, and the meeting witnessed discussions • December 12: During his meeting with the on ways of cooperation between the two sides to Nigerian President, President El-sisi stressed the promote comprehensive and sustainable industrial importance of continuing to enhance trade and development in Egypt. mutual investments between Egypt and Nigeria, praising the growing cooperation between the two countries in the field of capacity building through • December 16: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi the various programs organized by the Egyptian received the Director General of the International Agency for Partnership for Development. Atomic Energy Agency, and the meeting witnessed discussions on ways to enhance • December 12: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi cooperation between the two sides, especially received, President of the Republic of Comoros, in the framework of working to activate the Ghazali Othman and expressed Egypt’s aspiration important role of the Agency to ensure the to activate frameworks of joint cooperation peaceful use of nuclear science and technology with the Republic of Comoros at various worldwide.

60 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

• December 19: President Abdelfattah El- Sisi received Minister of State and member of the Saudi Cabinet, Dr. Issam bin Saeed. The President expressed Egypt’s aspiration to continue developing the horizons of constructive cooperation and consultation between the two countries in various fields, to achieve the common interest of the Egyptian and Saudi peoples.

• December 24: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi received the Arab Ministers of Higher Education, • January 12, 2020: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of their participation in the received the President of the European Council seventeenth conference of ministers responsible Charles Michel, Sisi stressed the EU’s position for higher education and scientific research in in Egypt’s foreign policy framework, based on the Arab world, and the meeting witnessed an mutual respect and appreciation especially in light exchange of views between the President and the of the common challenges facing them on both group of ministers on various Arab experiences In sides of the Mediterranean. The two sides agreed higher education and scientific research. on continuing to work towa rds a comprehensive political settlement of the Libyan issue, in order to preserve the national institutions in Libya, • December 31: President Abdelfattah El-Sisi safeguard their sovereignty and territorial directed, during his meeting with the President integrity, and limit illegal foreign interventions – of the Arab Organization for Industrialization, the end of finally restoring stability in the region to continue efforts to develop and modernize the and provide a better future for its people. organization in order to meet the requirements of the country’s sustainable development plans, in line with the policy of achieving optimal exploitation of resources.

• January 8, 2020: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, where they agreed to consolidate joint efforts between the two countries to reach settlement in Libya. They also discussed some regional issues of mutual concern. They reviewed recent developments in the Gulf, and agreed on the need to continue coordination in an effort to achieve security of the Gulf. • January 14, 2020: The Egyptian president received the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wherever they agreed to intensify joint

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efforts to support political settlement and reach a Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis. the an extraordinary Arab League foreign ministers two sides also discussed the latest developments meeting aimed at addressing US President of Regeni’s case, where President Sisi reaffirmed Donald Trump’s peace plan. el-Sisi underscored Egypt’s perseverance to find out the truth. on Saturday Cairo’s firm stance regarding the Palestinian cause, calling for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state according to international resolutions. Sisi added to Abbas that Egypt has always been leading efforts to achieve comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East.

• February 9, 2020: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi handed over the presidency of the African Union to South Africa for a year, during his participation at the 33rd African Union Summit in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

• January 14, 2020: The Egyptian president received the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe • President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s achievements Conte. They agreed to intensify joint efforts during its presidency of the AU last year, saying to support political settlement and reach a it managed to reinforce the state of security and comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis. the peace in the continent through the principle of two sides also discussed the latest developments “African solutions to African problems,” despite of Regeni’s case, where President Sisi reaffirmed challenges of terrorism and extremism, especially Egypt’s perseverance to find out the truth. in the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa.

• January 18, 2020: A World Bank Group delegation of Executive Directors met with H.E. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouli, the World Bank Governor for Egypt ,Minister for International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and senior members of Egypt’s government. They also met with project beneficiaries, young entrepreneurs, representatives from the private sector, members of think tanks and women leaders, development partners and media representatives. Egypt has won membership in the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council for • February 1, 2020: President Abdel Fattah 2020-2022, from the first round of voting on the El-Sisi held talks in Cairo on Saturday with membership.

62 Information and Decision Support Center - IDSC Egypt ... A path Forward for Future Prosperity

• February 13, 2020: President of the Senate’s Forum, which provides an important platform for Culture Committee Catherine Morin-Desailly deliberating on issues of common interest in the expressed the Senate’s appreciation of President Mediterranean region. In this context, Shoukry Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s development efforts, in a reviewed Egypt’s important and pivotal role in meeting with the president. fostering security and stability in the region, and striving to settle armed conflicts and confront the sources of regional threats. • Morin-Desailly, who headed a delegation from the French-Egyptian Friendship Group in the Senate, praised the president’s efforts on the foreign level, • His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic amid a disturbed regional situation around Egypt, Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State, saying such efforts have contributed to making received on December 7, 2019, Foreign Minister Egypt a pillar of stability, security and stability in “Sameh Shoukry”, who delivered to His Holiness the Middle East and Africa. a letter from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reflecting Egypt’s gratefulness for the efforts exerted by the Vatican in order to spread the • President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi praised the values of tolerance, compassion, and justice, as continuous development of Egyptian-French well as keenness on strengthening ties binding relations and the growing coordination between Cairo and the Vatican. the two countries in various fields. He also hailed parliamentary cooperation with France. • Sameh Shoukry meets with U.S. Secretary of State “Michael Pompeo” in Washington D.C. B. Meetings of the Minister of Foreign to discuss prospects for bilateral relations and Affairs: regional developments.

• As part of the periodic meetings between Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Greece, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received on December 1, his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias to discuss means to boost bilateral relations in various fields, as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

• Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received on December 3, 2019, the Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Dr. Fathi Al- Majbari, to discuss the latest developments in Libya, and means to push forward the track of • Within the context of continued consultations resolving the Libyan crisis Foreign Minister and coordination, the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Shoukry outlines Egypt’s vision of the situation France, Cyprus and Greece met in Cairo on January in the Middle East during dialogue session at 8, 2020, to discuss the recent developments in the Rome MED 2019- Mediterranean Dialogues Eastern Mediterranean region in light of increased

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tensions that threaten peace and stability in this • Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, region, they were joined by the Italian Foreign chaired the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Minister in a consultative framework. Union Executive Council, held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on February 6 and 7, 2020, in preparation for the 33rd Ordinary Session of • Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with U.S. the Assembly of the African Union, to be held on National Security Adviser, Robert C. O’Brien, on February 9 and 10, 2020. January 14, 2020 in Washington, D.C., to discuss means of enhancing relations between the two countries, in a way that reflects the distinguished • The Munich Security Conference, Minister of bilateral ties on the political, economic and Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry participated security fronts, as well as mutual strategic interests on February 15, 2020 in a discussion session in order to achieve security, peace, and stability on regional security in the Northeast Africa in the Middle East. The meeting also tackled region, within the 56th session of the “Munich ways to counter the phenomenon of terrorism, Security Conference” held in Munich, Germany where Shoukry stressed the need to adopt a on February 14-16, 2020. During the session comprehensive approach that confronts terrorist Shoukry presents Egypt’s vision of the challenges groups and their sponsors with no exceptions. in the Northeast Africa region.

• As part of the continued engagement with members of the U.S. Congress to emphasize the distinguished relationship between Egypt and the United States, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with several members of the U.S. Senate. He reviewed the strategic bilateral relations in the political, economic and security fields, and the convergence of interests between the two countries in the various bilateral and regional issues, furthermore, means for the U.S. Congress to support the strategic partnership between the two countries.

• In the framework of his participation in the 56th session of the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry took part on February 16, 2020, in the ministerial meeting of the international committee on Libya to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the Berlin Summit on Libya, held to advance the Libyan crisis’ settlement tracks under the auspices of the United Nations.

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global navigation traffic, within the framework of Pillar 4: Presidential Field Tours Egypt’s future vision.

A. The Bernice Strategic military base: B. Arab Heritage Festival:

• President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Abu Dhabi • On Wednesday 15 January, President Abdel Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Fattah El-Sisi opened the second military base opened on Thursday Sharm el Sheikh Arab in Egypt “Bernice Strategic Military Base“ after heritage festival also known as the “International the Mohammed Naguib military base. The base is considered the largest of its kind in the region, including elements of the air, sea and land forces, and it is located in the southern military region, and to the north of the Halayeb Triangle.

• It was established within the framework of the Egyptian armed forces’ comprehensive development and modernization strategy, to declare their readiness for all tasks entrusted to them in the southern strategic direction.

• It reflects the philosophy of the political leadership and the general leadership of the armed forces in building military bases to secure all strategic Camel Racing” in the Red Sea resort of Sharm directions of the state. el Sheikh. President Al-Sisi and his distinguished guest visited the heritage and cultural exhibition • The strategic goal behind establishing such of Bedouin handicrafts and arts. a military base is to protect and secure the Egyptian southern coasts, economic investments, C. Inauguration of the 23 rd edition and natural resources, as well as facing security of Cairo ICT 2019: challenges within the Red Sea and securing • President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated the 23rd edition of Cairo International Communication and Technology Conference “Cairo ICT 2019” on Sunday 1/12/2019 at Egypt International Exhibition Center.

• The President toured different pavilions and Exhibitions stands of the four-day exhibition. He listened to a detailed presentation from various exhibitors and listened to a presentation presented

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by Communications Minister Amr Talaat on the • Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and country’s digital transformation vision that aims Chairman of the African Union Commission at facilitating services offered to citizens. Moussa Fakih signed the agreement on December 11, 2019. D. The opening of new military factory:

• President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi opened the Mili- tary Factory 300, an offshoot of the Abu Zaabal Company for Engineering Industries on 17 Feb- ruary 2020.

• The company is specialized in manufacturing small and medium weapons and shells.

• The president also inaugurated, via video confer- ence, a number of new military production pro- jects in other military factories including Factory 144 in Banha, Factory 270 in Qaha, and Factory 999 in Helwan.

B. Charter establishing the council of Arab, African States bordering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden:

• Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry signed on January 6,2020, the Charter of the Council of Arab and African States bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in Riyadh. Pillar 5: Treaties

• This came in a meeting held for the foreign A. Hosting of the African Union center ministers of Arab and African countries. for reconstruction and development in the post-conflict stage: • The council includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, • President Abdel Fattah El Sisi witnessed the Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia and Jordan. signing ceremony of an agreement on Egypt’s hosting of the African Union center for reconstruction and development in the post- • This step came in light of the serious challenges conflict stage. and threats facing the region.

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C. Foundation charter for the East Pillar 6: Conferences Med Gas Forum Charter Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), in Cairo, on January 16, 2020: A. Aswan Forum for Peace and Development: • Seven countries have agreed on practical steps to • President Abdel Fattah El- Sisi witnessed the set the foundation charter for the East Med Gas launch of the activities of the first edition of Forum, taking EMGF a step closer to becoming the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable an international organization based in Cairo. Development in Africa, held in the capital of African youth Aswan. • The move by Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt was made at a ministerial • President El- Sisi stressed the necessity for all meeting held in Egypt On January 16, 2019. regional and international efforts to support the security and stability of the African continent, • This step is expected to increase cooperation based on the principle of state sovereignty and the among member states in order to lower central role of governments in formulating peace infrastructure costs and secure competitive prices agreements and development plans in accordance for gas from the region. with national priorities. • In addition, France officially requested to join the • During the closing session of the activities of (EMGF) as a member and the deputy assistant US the “Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable secretary of energy also expressed his country’s Development in Africa” President Abdel Fattah desire to join as a permanent observer. Elsisi stressed that the Forum addressed the most prominent issues facing the African continent from the perspective of the integrative relationship between peace and security on the one hand and sustainable and comprehensive development on the other.

B. World Youth Forum:

• On December 7, 2019, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced the launch of the World Youth Forum in its third edition, to be a platform through which Egypt sends to the entire world a message of love and peace; a message of pride based on constructive dialogue.

• During his participation in the session of (the current challenges to international peace and security), the President stressed that terrorism

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is a diabolical industry the worst of which is • The conference was attended by a number of top manipulating intellect and belief to achieve leaders; prominent political and religious figures; personal goals and interests, calling for solidarity and representatives of the Awqaf (Endowments) in supporting countries facing terrorism towards Ministry; Dar Al-Iftaa, (Egypt’s religious a better future. authority authorized with issuing religious fatwas (opinions)); and Islamic councils from 41 Arab • The President confirmed during his speech at the and Islamic countries. closing session that Egypt confronted the forces of evil on behalf of the world, and that there is • The main pillars of the conference are innovation no room for conflict or war, and stressed that his concepts and mechanisms, the dismantling of confidence in Egypt’s youth is boundless and that misconceptions, women’s and family issues and the success of the Youth Forum in achieving its the role of international, religious and academic goals was evident after adopting its decisions institutions in renewing Islamic thought. internationally.

C. Al-Azhar’s International Conference Pillar 7: Think Tanks on Renewal of Islamic Thought:

• On behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, A. Governance and Egypt’s Vision 2030: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli attended “Al- Azhar International Conference on Renovation • In collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in of Islamic Thought” which was held in Cairo on Cairo and China’s Development Research Center January 27, 2020. of the State Council, the Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), organized a forum entitled: ‘Governance and Egypt’s Vision 2030’ on Wednesday 8 January, 2020.

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• The forum contributed to boosting the Egyptian and Chinese relations as well as exchanging expertise about how to modernize systems of governance and management.

• The two-day forum aimed to share Egyptian- Chinese visions on governance and development as well as highlight the common principles between Egypt’s Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

B. China: forty years of remarkable economic development:

• On January 22, 2020, The Egyptian Center for Economic Studies held a seminar on “China: forty years of remarkable economic development”, in light of the remarkable achievements by China in different fields like construction, industry, infrastructure and technology. Different speakers participated in this lecture including: Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs of Chinese Embassy in Cairo “ Mr. Han Bing” and the former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs “Dr. Ziad Bahaa El-Din” who talked about the Chinese experience, depending on his recent visit to China that lasted for three months during which he taught comparative business law at Peking University.

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The Egyptian Cabinet The Egyptian Cabinet InformationInformation andand DecisionDecision Support Support Center Center (IDSC) (IDSC) 1, Magless El Shaab st., Kasr El Einy, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code: 11582 P.O. Box: 191 Magless El Shaab Tel: +202-2792-9292 Fax: +202-2792-9222 www.idsc.gov.eg [email protected]

www.idsc.gov.eg