Egypt Inaugurates New Strategy with World Bank  

Ferid Belhaj, the Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region at the World Bank Group, (right), and Egypt’s International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat (left).
Ferid Belhaj, the Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region at the World Bank Group, (right), and Egypt’s International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat (left).
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Egypt Inaugurates New Strategy with World Bank  

Ferid Belhaj, the Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region at the World Bank Group, (right), and Egypt’s International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat (left).
Ferid Belhaj, the Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region at the World Bank Group, (right), and Egypt’s International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat (left).

Ferid Belhaj, the Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region at the World Bank Group, stressed that the World Bank has confidence in the Egyptian economy.

On the sidelines of the launch of the Country Partnership Framework between Egypt and the World Bank Belhaj said the new framework supports the state’s development needs and focuses granting opportunities to the private sector, the green economy, and women empowerment in the economy.

Held on Sunday, the launch was attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Asharq Al-Awsat.

The new partnership between Egypt and the World Bank for 2023-2027 supports future cooperation programs and projects.

It was approved on March 21 by the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank Group, in order to support efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable growth, based on national priorities in various sectors and the development vision over the next five years.

The partnership with the Bank is consistent with the Egyptian government strategy for sustainable development and Egypt's Vision 2030, and its National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) 2050.

The partnership aims to support Cairo in building innovative paths and sustainable solutions to address development challenges in various sectors, foremost among which is the eradication of poverty, the promotion of comprehensive prosperity for all segments of society, and the creation of conditions conducive to achieving comprehensive, sustainable and resilient green development.

The new CPF places the citizen at the core by striving to achieve three main objectives, which are more and better private sector jobs, reinforcing investment in human capital, as well as improving resilience to shocks.

International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat held a meeting with Belhaj on the sidelines of the event.

She stressed the strong ties between Egypt and World Bank and underscored the Egyptian state's keenness on opening new prospects through this new strategy and focusing on cooperation fields of priority to the state.

The minister noted that this new strategy is being launched at a significant time amid the international and regional challenges facing developing countries and emerging economies.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is funding 15 projects valued at $7.33 billion across various sectors in Egypt. They include social protection, health, nutrition, population, education, environment, food security, and urban development.

Egypt and the World Bank have partnered up to implement several projects, including support to entrepreneurs and SMEs and tackling air pollution and climate change in Greater Cairo and local development in Upper Egypt.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
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Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.