Egypt Targets 7-8% Sustainable Annual Growth

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is seen shrouded in fog at the Saladin Citadel fortification in Cairo, Egypt, 12 September 2023. (EPA)
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is seen shrouded in fog at the Saladin Citadel fortification in Cairo, Egypt, 12 September 2023. (EPA)
TT

Egypt Targets 7-8% Sustainable Annual Growth

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is seen shrouded in fog at the Saladin Citadel fortification in Cairo, Egypt, 12 September 2023. (EPA)
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is seen shrouded in fog at the Saladin Citadel fortification in Cairo, Egypt, 12 September 2023. (EPA)

Egypt’s Planning Minister Dr. Hala El-Saied said Egypt is targeting sustainable annual growth ranging between 7 to 8 percent.

Speaking at the "Story of a Homeland” conference that was inaugurated by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday, she added that despite diverse sources the growth remains unsustainable.

The minister remarked that Egypt aims to boost private sector investments from 36 percent to 65 percent of the overall investments by 2030.

The government is seeking to increase exports to $100 billion during the next five years to attract private investments worth $40 billion by 2060, and to proceed with its plans to boost the private sector's role in the economy.

Speaking at the same event, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said Egypt would manage to produce all its petroleum products next year.

He added that crude oil will continue to be imported but will be refined in the country.

The PM said that the project to double the Suez Canal has replaced the idea of alternative routes.

Egypt plans to expand the length of the canal from 72 kilometers to 82 kilometers.

The canal is a prime source of foreign currency to Egypt.

Sisi had previously stated that the revenue generated from the Suez Canal is anticipated to reach $10.5 billion by the end of the year.

The annual revenues of the canal reached $9.4 billion during the 2022/2023 fiscal year, announced Suez Canal Authority (SCA) chief Osama Rabie in July.

During the G20 summit hosted by India last month, a memorandum of understanding was signed to set up the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The IMEC project envisages laying down, alongside the railway line, cables for electricity and digital connectivity, as well as pipelines for clean/green hydrogen export.

Madbouli added that Egypt aims to increase the number of tourists from 15 million annually to 30 million in the next five years.



Saudi PIF, Italy’s SACE Sign $3 Bn MoU

The MoU focuses on providing financing support for cooperation between Italian companies in the private sector and PIF and its portfolio companies (PIF)
The MoU focuses on providing financing support for cooperation between Italian companies in the private sector and PIF and its portfolio companies (PIF)
TT

Saudi PIF, Italy’s SACE Sign $3 Bn MoU

The MoU focuses on providing financing support for cooperation between Italian companies in the private sector and PIF and its portfolio companies (PIF)
The MoU focuses on providing financing support for cooperation between Italian companies in the private sector and PIF and its portfolio companies (PIF)

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and SACE, the Italian insurance and financial group fully owned by Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening their bilateral partnership.

Under the agreement, PIF and SACE will collaborate on information-sharing and business expertise, with a particular focus on strategic sectors.

The MoU also includes a provision for SACE to consider offering up to an additional $3 billion in financing support for projects led by PIF and its portfolio companies.
The signing builds on an existing relationship between PIF and SACE, which has already facilitated financing exceeding $3 billion for PIF portfolio companies, with participation from several leading financial institutions.

As a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and a leading global investor, PIF is focused on diversifying and transforming the Saudi economy by developing new sectors, businesses, and job opportunities.

This latest agreement aligns with PIF’s ongoing strategy to expand financial collaborations, enhance global cooperation, and foster long-term international partnerships.

The MoU is part of PIF’s broader approach to maintaining strong relationships with international financial institutions while diversifying its financing instruments.

Rasees Al Saud, Head of Financial Institutions and Investor Relations, Global Capital Finance at PIF, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “The MoU represents another landmark in PIF’s strategy to enhance its strategic partnerships with leading international financial institutions and export credit agencies.”

“It will unlock opportunities for both Italian and Saudi companies to collaborate and exchange business knowledge, in line with our commitment to driving impactful and transformative investments globally and in Saudi Arabia,” said Al Saud.

CEO of SACE Alessandra Ricci emphasized the benefits for Italian companies: “We are proud to collaborate with a distinguished institution like PIF.”

“This partnership will facilitate Italian exports and strengthen trade and investment ties between our two countries,” noted Ricci.

“The memorandum opens significant opportunities for Italian companies, especially SMEs, enabling them to become key suppliers and participate in projects sponsored by PIF and its portfolio companies, all in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030,” she explained.

PIF currently holds an Aa3 rating from Moody’s (stable outlook) and an A+ rating from Fitch (stable outlook), reinforcing its financial stability and global credibility.