Egypt Finance Ministry Stresses Flexibility in Handling Global Economic Changes

In this file a man counts Egyptian pound banknotes at a currency exchange shop in downtown Cairo on November 3, 2016. (AFP)
In this file a man counts Egyptian pound banknotes at a currency exchange shop in downtown Cairo on November 3, 2016. (AFP)
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Egypt Finance Ministry Stresses Flexibility in Handling Global Economic Changes

In this file a man counts Egyptian pound banknotes at a currency exchange shop in downtown Cairo on November 3, 2016. (AFP)
In this file a man counts Egyptian pound banknotes at a currency exchange shop in downtown Cairo on November 3, 2016. (AFP)

Egypt’s Finance Minister Mohammed Maait stressed that his country was capable of handling with flexibility the rapid global economic changes that are directly impacting consumers and public policies.

He made his remarks on Saturday while presenting the performance indicators for 2021/2022, saying Egypt was one of the few countries that achieved a surplus of 1.3 percent last year compared to other emerging countries that achieved a preliminary deficit of 4.7 percent.

“This reflects our ability to flexibly adapt to global economic changes while maintaining a safe economic path,” he remarked.

The minister met with the British Ambassador to Cairo, Gareth Bailey.

Maait expressed Egypt’s interest in boosting the decades-long cooperation in manufacturing currency.

This will benefit Egypt’s future ambitions and bolster its ability to meet local and regional market demands.

For his part Bailey, said his country supports Egypt's development efforts in various fields so that it can meet the needs of its citizens and improve their living standards and services.

The ambassador expressed the desire to explore opportunities for cooperation in the field of coinage between the two countries' mints in a way that benefits their mutual interests and enhances their partnership.



IMF Forecasts Bahrain’s Economy to Grow by 3% in 2024

Bahrain's capital Manama. Reuters file photo
Bahrain's capital Manama. Reuters file photo
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IMF Forecasts Bahrain’s Economy to Grow by 3% in 2024

Bahrain's capital Manama. Reuters file photo
Bahrain's capital Manama. Reuters file photo

Bahrain’s economy is on track for growth, with gross domestic product expected to expand by 3 percent this year and 3.5 percent in 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

Following its 2024 Article IV consultation, the IMF said Bahrain’s showed strong economic performance in 2023, achieving a 3 percent growth rate.

It projected that inflation, which fell to a low of 0.1 percent in 2023, will rise to 1.2 percent this year and gradually stabilize at 2 percent over the medium term.

According to the IMF, government debt surged to 123 percent of GDP, a 12 percentage point increase.

“To put government debt to GDP onto a durable downward path, a multi-year and pre-committed fiscal consolidation and reform package is the policy priority,” said John Bluedorn, the IMF mission chief.

Bahrain’s economic diversification efforts are another key focus. The IMF acknowledged the progress made but urged further reforms to boost inclusive, sustainable growth. These include expanding programs to enhance human capital, addressing skill gaps, and improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises.