CAIRO - 16 April 2024: Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat and the Governor of Egypt at the World Bank met with several representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This came during her participation in the World Bank Group spring meetings and the International Monetary Fund in Washington.
During the meeting, Minister Al Mashat expressed Egypt's gratitude for the ongoing cooperation with JICA, highlighting the alignment of visions and the commitment to strengthening joint efforts. She emphasized the fruitful Egyptian-Japanese relations, which have resulted in significant partnerships in strategic sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure development. Notable projects include the Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS), metro line expansions, support for renewable energy initiatives, and educational advancements.
The Minister discussed joint efforts with Japan to support Egypt’s steps in implementing economic and structural reforms, enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, developing the private sector, and supporting efforts to transition to a green economy, through financing development policies. Al Mashat stressed that cooperation with JICA takes place within the framework of cooperative efforts made with other development partners as well.
Furthermore, the discussions addressed the details and preparations for an upcoming JICA technical mission to visit Egypt in April. The mission aims to continue discussions on future cooperation and explore avenues for mutual benefits.
The meeting also involved constructive discussions on future cooperation programs, particularly in culture and food security. Given the implementation of the "NWFE" program, which focuses on the nexus of water, food, and energy projects, collaboration with Japan aims to support small farmers, prioritize low-income individuals, and adopt strategic approaches to enhance agricultural production and expand agricultural land. These efforts are expected to uplift the living standards of rural communities.
Minister Al Mashat revealed plans to hold the annual Egyptian-Japanese policy dialogue in the second half of the year, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to advancing bilateral relations and coordinating with Japanese authorities. This is in line with the shared goal of elevating relations between the two countries to a strategic partnership level.
Japan is considered one of the most important Asian development partners for Egypt, as the development cooperation portfolio includes more than 18 development projects in support of the government’s plan to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs), with a value of approximately $3 billion, from 2010 up to date.
This is in addition to many development grants in the fields of health, education, energy, electricity, transportation, civil aviation, tourism, antiquities, irrigation, and education, in a way that supports sustainable economic growth, social inclusion, education development, human capital development, regional cooperation, and support of the national strategy to address climate change.
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