A major priority of the current work plan is to accomplish development and social justice. Creating more job opportunities for the young in the production and industrial sectors will contribute to economic growth, the minister explained. Focus on ameliorating an environment conducive to blooming small- and medium-size projects will bring about an immediate effect of employment and economic growth since such projects are deemed the most important sector for creating jobs, making up 90% of the employment volume.

Dr Radwan expressed these views in his meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Cairo, Norihiro Okuda, who expressed his country’s total readiness to support the Egyptian economy in facing the current circumstances once normalcy is restored. The ambassador said Japan welcomes the peaceful democratic revolution which has taken place in Egypt, emphasising that recent developments in Egypt will contribute to an increase in Japanese investments in country.

The Japanese diplomat stressed the importance of security and peace in the country and the cessation of strikes and sit-in protestations so that work can be resumed as a basic need of security for the investors and the restoration of trust and foreign investments in Egypt.

He further clarified that reopening the Stock Exchange will restore confidence in the Egyptian economy and that Japan is willing to offer concessional financing for development projects which aim at accomplishing social justice and creating more employment. He further drew attention to the necessity of curbing big rises in budget deficit.

(Source: Ministry of Finance)