Egypt's Central Bank Raises Key Interest Rates by 100 Basis Points

Central Bank of Egypt's headquarters is seen in downtown Cairo, Egypt March 8, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Central Bank of Egypt's headquarters is seen in downtown Cairo, Egypt March 8, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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Egypt's Central Bank Raises Key Interest Rates by 100 Basis Points

Central Bank of Egypt's headquarters is seen in downtown Cairo, Egypt March 8, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Central Bank of Egypt's headquarters is seen in downtown Cairo, Egypt March 8, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egypt's central bank raised its key interest rates by 100 basis points in an exceptional monetary policy committee meeting, it said in a statement on Monday.

The central bank set its overnight lending rate at 10.25% and its overnight deposit rate at 9.25% citing global inflationary pressures amplified by the war in Ukraine.

The monetary policy committee had been scheduled to meet on March 24.

Egypt's pound currency traded at 17.42-17.52 against the US dollar on Monday, Refinitiv data showed.

The currency had been trading at around 15.7 pounds to the dollar a day prior.



Saudi Arabia, Major Tech Companies Discuss Expanding Future AI Partnerships

Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos
Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos
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Saudi Arabia, Major Tech Companies Discuss Expanding Future AI Partnerships

Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos
Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos

The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Eng. Abdullah Alswaha has held meetings with leaders of leading global companies during his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

The meetings discussed prospects for strategic investments and expanding future partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and modern technologies, highlighting the Kingdom's position as a hub for technology and innovation in the region.

To enhance Amazon Web Services' investments in Saudi Arabia, Alswaha met with the CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Matt Garman, to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership in cloud computing, AI, and AWS investments in the Kingdom. This will support the growth of the digital economy and affirm Saudi Arabia's regional position as a center for innovation and advanced technical solutions.

In the context of strengthening global partnerships in AI, Alswaha engaged in discussions with founder and CEO of Scale AI Alexandr Wang, focusing on enhancing AI and data solutions and developing the Kingdom's capabilities to achieve its aspirations and develop the digital economy.

Alswaha also discussed with IBM CEO Arvind Krishna opportunities for high-quality investments in Saudi Arabia, expanding IA and big data partnerships, and developing national capabilities in modern technologies.

He met with Sony's Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida to expand partnerships in technology and innovation, develop strategic partnerships, and exchange expertise to support the digital economy and develop capabilities in online gaming.

Additionally, MCIT Vice Minister Eng. Haitham AlOhali discussed with OpenAI's Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil ways to enhance partnerships in developing AI technologies and invest in their promising potential to drive the growth of the digital economy and achieve sustainable development.