Mashat: Spanish Development Agency funds 20 programs in Egypt

CAIRO - 14 June 2024: Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, met with Natwan Les Garizia, President of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development, as part of the periodic meetings she holds with multilateral and bilateral development partners to advance development efforts.

 

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of International Cooperation welcomed the head of the Spanish Agency, stressing the importance of joint relations between the two countries, and the keenness to develop them to include more areas of joint cooperation. 

 

She highlighted that as many as 20 programs and projects are being implemented with the support of the Spanish Agency in many sectors and fields such as: women empowerment, water resources, supporting the Egyptian private sector, as well as developing the skills and capabilities of women in Upper Egypt.

 

The Minister of International Cooperation stressed the importance of expanding the umbrella of cooperation between the two sides to include more mechanisms to support the private sector in order to achieve comprehensive economic development and increase job opportunities. She also reviewed the “Hafiz” platform for financial and technical support for the private sector, which is the first integrated platform linking financial and non-financial services.  

 

The Minister of International Cooperation highlighted the government's plans and priorities to support environmentally friendly development and expansion of climate action, and the role played by the Ministry of International Cooperation in supporting these efforts through joint relations with multilateral and bilateral development partners.

 

The joint cooperation with the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation aims to grow and strengthen the Egyptian private sector as part of its efforts to promote comprehensive economic opportunities and decent jobs. 

 

This is conducted through financial and non-financial services that the agency provides to governmental and non-governmental organizations, within the framework of three main priorities, which are: to empower women economically, to create job opportunities for youth, and to support the business environment.