The semi-annual report on the Egyptian government's performance published in Al-Ahram newspaper on Friday has indicated the reduction in trade deficit and imports as the highlights of the economic file in 2016.

The report tackled the general outlines of economy, national security, social justice and industrial development, indicating improvements in each file from April to September 2016.

On the economic file, the report highlighted the success of the government to reduce imports by $7.5 billion and lower the trade deficit by $6.7 billion.

It also indicated the government’s success in equipping 404 thousand housing units with gas lines during the six month period, and the signing of three newpetroleum agreements worth $639.4 million.

In addition, the report pointed out to the implementation of ten major infrastructure projects and the presentation of three international bids for oil and gas excavation as well as the government's success at establishing 187,000 social housing units up until September 2016.

On the national security file, the report linked tightening security measures on ports and border lines and pre-recognition of terrorist activities and organisations to the exerted efforts of military commanders to develop and improve the efficiency of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

On the social justice file, the report indicated the inclusion of 2.1 million families into the "Takaful and Karama" programme, worth EGP 7.2 billion, directed to provide assistance to the poorest families and disabled people, expanding its beneficiaries to 8.3 million citizens in 27 governorates.

The report mentioned the accomplishment of the maritime shipping line project to East Africa and implementation of the first phase of El-Robiky leather industry, and Damietta's furniture industrial city among ten other major infrastructure development projects.





https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/254562.aspx