During a conference on the role of remittances in increasing investments and achieving sustainable development, the minister said Egypt achieved an important leap in receiving remittances despite global economic challenges.

The event, held in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in the presence of Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El Said, discussed means to increase the expats' contribution to the national development process.

Makram attributed the increase of remittances to many reasons topped by the confidence of the expats in the political leadership and measures taken by the government to stabilize the exchange rate and support the investment atmosphere.

She added that her ministry worked with the country's stock exchange to shore up investments in the Egyptian money market pointing out to a protocol signed with the bourse to encourage Egyptian expats to invest in it.

According to the minister, initiatives have been launched to entice Egyptians abroad into contributing to development projects and respond to their queries on investment ventures.