Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsi and Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom held an expanded meeting to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two ministries, supporting the state’s efforts to develop the social protection system and achieve greater integration between economic and social development policies. The two ministers discussed a number of issues of mutual interest, foremost among them aligning economic development plans with social protection policies to help direct resources and investments towards programmes and projects with the greatest impact on citizens’ lives, improve the efficiency of public spending and maximise its development impact. Morsi said the ministry is continuing to develop social protection policies and programmes to ensure that support and services reach those eligible, while expanding economic empowerment programmes for the most vulnerable families. She stressed the importance of gradually moving from the concept of support towards empowerment, employment and production, helping beneficiary families improve their economic circumstances, strengthen their ability to become self-reliant and move away from dependency. For his part, Rostom said the ministry is committed to placing the social dimension at the forefront of the state’s economic and social development plan, noting that investment in human capital and social justice are fundamental pillars of sustainable economic growth. Rostom added that the development plan includes providing the necessary funding and financial coverage for social protection programmes, as well as developing healthcare, education and economic empowerment services, to ensure that the benefits of growth are distributed fairly and that public investment is directed towards the areas and groups most in need. He stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection efforts by increasing allocations to the social solidarity sector by around 57% during the current fiscal year to implement the second phase of the National Project for Egyptian Family Development, the National Early Childhood Development Initiative and other priority projects aimed at delivering tangible benefits to citizens. The post Government explores integrating economic, social development policies first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.
