As part of Egypt’s strategic partnership with the World Bank Group, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Eng. Hassan El-Khatib met with Mr. Cheick-Oumar Sylla, IFC Regional Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa, and Mr. Stéphane Guimbert, World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti.The talks centered on expanding cooperation to support Egypt’s priorities in attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth, Invest-Gate reports.

El-Khatib presented the ministry’s strategy to enhance the business environment through legislative and regulatory reforms, with the goal of ranking Egypt among the world’s top 50 countries in investment and trade competitiveness within two years.

He outlined a 10-year national plan to identify priority projects ready for investment, supported by infrastructure and permits, targeting high-potential sectors including industry, tourism, healthcare, and ICT. The minister also stressed the importance of digital transformation to streamline trade, accelerate customs clearance, and improve efficiency at border points.

El-Khatib highlighted Egypt’s preparations for the World Bank’s “Business Ready” report, noting a reform matrix of 209 measures to strengthen legislation, digital services, transparency, and operational performance. These reforms, he said, will soon translate into executive and legislative actions to boost competitiveness and investor confidence.

World Bank representatives commended Egypt’s reform agenda and reaffirmed readiness to expand cooperation by providing technical and financial support for sustainable financing and joint initiatives. The meeting concluded with agreement to establish clear mechanisms and timelines for advancing joint projects in line with Egypt’s long-term development goals.