Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom said the government, with the direct support of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, was coordinating closely with the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) to ensure alignment between fiscal and monetary policies, with the aim of curbing inflation, reducing public debt and advancing comprehensive development. Rostom made the remarks during a meeting at the National Planning Institute with economic experts, academics, and members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to review economic performance indicators and assess progress in implementing the economic and social development plan for the current fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027. The meeting was attended by Ashraf El Araby, President of the National Planning Institute; Naglaa El Ahwany, former Minister of International Cooperation; Aliaa El Mahdi, economic expert and former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science; Medhat Nafea, economic expert; Samiha Fawzy, former Minister of Trade and Industry; Rasha Ramadan, Professor of Economics; Fakhry El Feky, former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Planning and Budget Committee; MP Akmal Nagaty; Nehal El Megharbel, Professor of Economics and former member of the Senate; and Nagwa Samak, Professor of Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences at Galala University. During the meeting, Rostom reviewed developments in the Egyptian economy and progress in implementing the economic and social development plan for FY 2026/2027. He noted that the economy had demonstrated resilience in adapting to global and regional geopolitical tensions. Rostom said the economy grew by 5.1% in the previous fiscal year, accompanied by a significant increase in the private sector’s share of total investment, which reached 57.7%. He also highlighted the growing focus on the real economy and non-petroleum manufacturing industries. The minister outlined the main features of the National Economic Transformation Programme, which is being prepared in line with directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. He explained that the programme would build on the momentum of previous reforms rather than start from scratch, complementing existing strategies, including the State Ownership Policy Document. Its objectives include consolidating fiscal sustainability, strengthening competitive neutrality and reducing the government’s presence in selected sectors to create greater scope for private investment. Rostom stressed that the programme’s primary objective, alongside that of all structural reforms, was to improve citizens’ quality of life and deliver a tangible, positive impact on living standards.
