Egypt, Korea discuss ways to expand cooperation on social welfare

CAIRO - 16 March 2021: Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Egypt, H.E. Hong Jin-wook met with H.E. Nivine El-Qabbag, Minister of social solidarity on March 15 to discuss ways to expand cooperation on social welfare sector, support policies to promote egyptian handcraft industry and expedite the signing of Korea-Egypt Social security agreement.

Ambassador Hong mentioned that Korean Government decided to support Tasameem Design Hub with $ 200,000 worth of equipment which was directly requested by the Minister Qabbag 2019. He also mentioned that this project aims to support employment and start-ups of young generation, women, workers in the field and contribute Egyptian government’s policy to build up handcraft industry.

Ambassador also noted the effort to improve social welfare of people by President al-Sisi’s ‘Decent Life Initiative’, and hoped that cooperation with Ministry of Social solidarity will expand based on Korea’s experience in high-quality health insurance services and pension systems. In response, Minister Qabbag expressed her intention to continue consultation with Korea in social welfare sector, which is President Al-Sisi’s biggest concern.

Minister Qabbag and Ambassador shared the view that Egypt is one of the most attracted partner to Korean companies already in Egypt and those that will enter in the future, and hoped to sign the Korea-Egypt Social Security Agreement as soon as possible to promote investment of Korean company to Egypt.