Advancing employment-centred trade and investment in Egypt

The International Labour Organization (ILO) convened Egypt's first Policy Working Group meeting under the second phase of the Mainstreaming Employment into Trade and Investment (METI) project, in collaboration with Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation (MoPEDIC). The event marks the formal launch of the second phase of the METI regional project, funded by the European Union. It brought together tripartite partners to strengthen policy coherence between trade, investment and employment, in line with Egypt's Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience.

Participants included representatives from government officials, social partners, and other relevant engagement groups. From the opening remarks, Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation said through a recorded message, "As key drivers in enhancing both the efficiency and quality of work, trade and investment are fully aligned with the efforts of the Government of Egypt to realise inclusive and sustainable growth that expands employment opportunities. This approach is reflected in the methodology underpinning Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development, which was recently launched by the Ministry."

This cooperation is grounded in our firm conviction of the pivotal role that trade and investment can play in achieving economic growth and ensuring the creation and sustainability of employment opportunities.

Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation

© ILO

© ILO

Eric Oechslin, Director of ILO Cairo, stated, "Now, in its second phase, we move decisively from analysis to action—implementing evidence-based recommendations, strengthening value chains, upskilling for the future of work, and translating export potential into decent employment; particularly for women and youth, and in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises."

Over the past 4 years, METI has generated valuable knowledge on the linkage between trade, investment and employment, strengthened institutional capacities, and fostered social dialogue among policymakers, both on national and regional level.

Eric Oechslin, Director of ILO Cairo

© ILO

© ILO

Giacomo Bogo, Programme Manager at the EU delegation to Egypt, added, "At the regional level, METI provides a strong platform for peer learning and the exchange of good practices across the MENA region, fully aligned with the EU International Digital and Economic Strategies, Egypt’s just launched Economic Narrative, and the New Pact for the Mediterranean, where inclusive growth and employment remain central priorities."

In Egypt, METI Phase II will complement and reinforce EU-supported initiatives, maximising impact and coherence across our bilateral cooperation portfolio.

Giacomo Bogo, Programme Manager at the EU delegation to Egypt

© ILO

© ILO

The Policy Working Group, headed by Shaimaa Mahgoub, Head of Labour Market Policy Unit and Advisor to National Wage Council at MoPEDIC, reviewed the main results achieved under METI Phase I and the objectives and workplan for Phase II in Egypt. Discussions highlighted the importance of targeted, sector-focused interventions to support productive employment and sustainable economic transformation. Participants also validated key studies examining the employment and trade impacts of selected priority sectors and investment projects.

These studies included METI’s value chain analysis of Egypt’s food processing sector, with a focus on sugar, chocolate and confectionery, as well as the employment and trade impact assessment of one of Egypt's infrastructure projects, the Kafr ElSheikh Wastewater Treatment Programme, which was constructed with the support from the EU. They reviewed the studies' analytical nature and translated findings into policy-recommendations.

Stakeholders concluded the meeting with agreement on next steps, including advancing the implementation of the policy recommendations. Through METI Phase II, the project aims to support more coherent, employment-centred trade and investment policies, and conduct capacity-building and awareness raising initiatives, that contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Egypt.