According to the ministry, the talks covered recent economic developments and the government’s fiscal, institutional, and trade reforms ahead of the dual review.
El-Khatib said key indicators have improved faster than expected following policy steps taken in recent months, adding that the economy is “moving in the right direction” under the IMF-backed programme.
He said the government is pursuing tighter fiscal and monetary policies, expanding private-sector participation, and working to improve the investment climate. Modernizing Egypt’s trade system, he added, remains central to the country’s growth strategy.
The minister said Egypt is shifting toward a more open trade policy aimed at increasing production capacity, expanding access to global markets, and positioning the country as a regional hub for exports and supply chains—measures he said would raise the added value of local output and help narrow the trade deficit.
El-Khatib also outlined progress on digital transformation, which he described as critical to building a more efficient business environment. Work is underway, he said, to upgrade digital platforms for licensing and company registration to streamline procedures and improve transparency.
Further steps to simplify processes, cut non-tax costs, and provide clearer rules for investors are expected in the coming period.
The IMF mission praised Cairo's progress on investment and trade reforms, adding that Egypt’s economic strategy had become more consistent and transparent. Delegation members added that discussions were taking place in a positive climate, reinforcing expectations of a favourable outcome to the reviews.
The IMF mission and Egyptian officials have also begun discussions on completing the first review of the $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Finalizing all three reviews is expected to unlock around $2.5 billion in funding for Egypt.
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