The minister of finance stated he is seeking to increase Qatari investments in the energy and tourism sectors, while targeting more diverse financing tools to stimulate private investment in developmental projects.
During a meeting with Qatari Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari on the sidelines of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) meetings in Doha, Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said that expanding bilateral partnerships enhances the private sector’s role in economic activity, drives growth, and creates jobs.
Kouchouk emphasised the government’s aim to encourage joint projects between Egyptian and Qatari companies to achieve more sustainable economic growth for both nations. The ministers also discussed joint cooperation between their respective finance ministries to exchange expertise and enhance capacity in fiscal and tax policies.
In a separate AIIB session titled “Financing for Impact,” Kouchouk told attendees that transforming economic reforms into real investments contributes to more sustainable growth. He noted that the government is proceeding with economic reforms in parallel with social protection measures to support the most vulnerable groups.
Public-private partnership projects represent the “natural evolution of infrastructure investment,” with a specific focus on the sustainable and renewable energy sectors, the minister said.
Stimulating investments in new and renewable energy will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian exports, Kouchouk stated. He added that the ongoing development of roads, ports, and logistics, coupled with customs reforms, supports the country’s transformation into a regional trade hub.
To fund these initiatives, the minister highlighted the need for a greater role for multilateral development banks, which he said can help transform reforms and developmental projects into actionable investments.
Kouchouk pointed to the issuance of “Panda bonds” as a successful model for innovative financing. He noted that guarantees provided by development banks help attract more investors, and that the state aims to utilise more diverse financing tools and guarantees to stimulate private sector participation in development projects.
