Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom met Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Fumio Iwai on Tuesday to discuss ways of expanding bilateral economic co-operation and review Egypt’s ongoing economic reform agenda.
During the meeting, Minister Rostom reaffirmed the government’s commitment to broadening economic co-operation and advancing joint development initiatives that serve the shared interests of both countries.
The minister outlined the key priorities of Egypt’s Economic and Social Development Plan for fiscal year 2026/27. The plan focuses on improving the efficiency of public spending by directing resources towards priority sectors. The strategy, he said, is designed to maximise the developmental returns on public investment while striking balance between safeguarding macroeconomic stability and driving inclusive, sustainable development.
Rostom stressed that human development remains at the core of the government’s agenda. In this respect, he highlighted the continued implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life. He pointed to the presidential Decent Life (Hayah Karima) initiative as one of Egypt’s largest integrated development programmes, playing a central role in upgrading infrastructure and improving public services across rural communities.
The minister also reviewed the government’s economic and structural reform agenda, which seeks to strengthen macroeconomic resilience, enhance the business climate and boost the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to empowering the private sector as a key partner and principal driver of sustainable economic growth.
