Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Minister Rania el Mashaat held on Thursday 19/9/2024 a meeting with EU officials, via video-conferencing, on the implementation of the first stage of macro-financial assistance (MFA) under which the union will offer a one-billion-euro soft funding to the country. The meeting tackled ongoing procedures to implement structural reforms in coordination between the ministry and relevant bodies; the Central Bank, the Ministries of Finance, Social Solidarity, Labor, Investment and Foreign Trade, Electricity and Renewable Energy, as well as the Egyptian Competition Authority, and Cabinet's Information Support and Decision-Making Center. The two sides also discussed preparations for the technical mission expected to arrive at the end of September to complete technical discussions between the European Union and the relevant authorities. Mashaat underlined the importance of the structural reform program in making room for the private sector participation, e nhancing competitiveness, improving the business environment, enhancing the ability of the macroeconomy to withstand external shocks, supporting the green transition, and opening future horizons for comprehensive and sustainable development. Source: State Information Service Egypt