Egypt, USAID sign MoU to implement workforce enhancement project

CAIRO – 24 December 2021: Egyptian Minister of Local Development Mahmoud Shaarawy, and Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Local Development and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement the Workforce Improvement and Skills Enhancement (WISE) project in Egypt.

“The goal of the MoU is to create practical prospects on the ground to enhance cooperation between the ministry, complete the local economic development program, increase the efficiency of the labor market and form a social economic council, improve employment conditions and create sustainable local job opportunities in two new governorates, in addition to completing some activities in Beni Suef governorate,” Minister Shaarawy said.

He added that the ministry has formulated, during the last period, economic development strategies for the governorates of Fayoum, Sohag, Minya and Ismailia. Strategies for local economic development have also been prepared for the economic sectors.

Shaarawy highlighted the success of the implementation of the Local Economic Development Program in Beni Suef Governorate, and the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the Ministry of Local Development and the Manpower Development and Skills Enhancement Project - funded by the US Agency for International Development.

Shaarawy also praised the cooperation between the Egyptian government and USAID, which indicates that Egypt has a clear strategy for achieving economic development.

For her part, Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, stressed the importance of joint relations with the United States of America, in various fields, noting that the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed with the US Agency for International Development stimulate the country's development efforts in the fields of education and higher education. Science and technology, agriculture, health, economic governance, trade and investment.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat noted that the partnership with the US Agency for International Development is also reflected in stimulating the participation of the private sector in development and increasing its role in various projects, by supporting small and medium companies, entrepreneurship, and promoting business.

For her part, Leslie Reid, President of the USAID in Egypt, said that the Agency seeks to strengthen relations between Egypt and the United States through partnerships in various fields. These agreements are in line with the Egyptian government's economic reforms package and the sustainable development plan (Egypt Vision 2030).