Friday 10/October/2025 – 11:21 AM
Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, confirmed that the Egyptian economy has begun to improve, as the private sector is moving strongly, accounting for 60% of investments, explaining that our economic and financial position is good, and we have achieved many results better than the target.
Indicators of debt
He said, in an open dialogue at the American University in Cairo, moderated by Dr. Rabab Al-Mahdi, Professor of Political Science, that we expect the fifth and sixth reviews of the economic reform program with the International Monetary Fund to be completed soon, explaining that the debt-to-GDP ratio decreased by 10% within two years, and at the same time it increased by about 7% of the output in the rest of the emerging countries.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Finance has begun paying back more than it borrows, and that the budget’s external debt has decreased by $3 billion in two years, and we are working and aiming to exchange part of the debt for investments, and direct any exceptional revenues to reduce the debt.
He explained that dealing with improving and reducing debt indicators as a priority for the state reflects the harmony of policies and priorities, pointing to the adoption of tax policies that support the economy and stimulate partnership with the private sector by reducing burdens and making it easier for investors.
He said that the priority is to expand the tax base, protect the rights of financiers, and improve services within an integrated framework of the trust partnership, noting that we are working and coordinating with the Minister of Investment to unify fees and charges for services, and amend the mutual contribution to become more fair.
He added that we seek to revitalize the economy so that it is more capable of attracting investments and financing the needs of citizens, explaining that allocations to support economic activity increased four-fold this year, and the priority is for manufacturing and export, especially future activities and sectors.
He stated that the abolition of preferential tax benefits for state agencies when carrying out economic activity is an important reform that has achieved good results, noting that new initiatives are being implemented with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Authority to stimulate entrepreneurship and emerging companies.
He pointed out that additional incentives will be approved for those who join the simplified and integrated tax system to encourage them to grow and to emphasize the attractiveness of joining the formal sector.
Kajok concluded: I am very biased towards every need that concerns people, and my eye is always on serving them better, pointing out that spending on health and education rose by 21% last year, which is higher than the average growth of all other sectors. We aim to spend more on health and education, with programs that have a greater impact on people’s lives during the next stage.
