In a significant display of Egypt’s commitment to global economic cooperation, Mr. Hassan Abdullah, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, led the Egyptian delegation to the 2025 G20 meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, recently hosted in South Africa. The two-day meeting, which marked the first such gathering of the year, focused on critical global economic challenges and opportunities for sustainable financial growth.
The Egyptian delegation included Mr. Rami Abu El-Naga, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank for Monetary Stability, and Mr. Yasser Sobhi, Deputy Minister of Finance for Fiscal Policies. The meetings were centered around South Africa’s priorities for its G20 presidency, exploring strategies to strengthen economic cooperation in the face of global growth challenges, while also seeking ways to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Among the main issues addressed were the future of global financial structures, sustainable financing, and the role of multilateral development institutions in tackling economic challenges. Governor Abdullah emphasized the importance of this forum as a vital opportunity for nations to exchange ideas, share expertise, and propose innovative financing solutions that could spur global development efforts.
“The G20 meeting provides a unique platform for discussing pressing economic and financial matters,” Governor Abdullah remarked. “It is an opportunity to not only share our experiences but also to advocate for transformative solutions that will contribute to long-term global economic stability. Multilateral development institutions play a crucial role in fostering cooperation and addressing systemic issues on a global scale.”
A key focus of the discussions was the integration of technological advancements to facilitate cross-border payments. Governor Abdullah underscored the need to ensure that the benefits of these technologies are harnessed while also safeguarding data privacy and security.
The meeting also delved into strategies to enhance sustainable financing, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. Governor Abdullah called for greater emphasis on public-private sector partnerships and sustainable financial instruments, such as green bonds, as well as mechanisms for risk-sharing, such as blended finance and credit guarantees.
On the fiscal front, Mr. Yasser Sobhi, Deputy Minister of Finance, addressed the importance of a balanced and gradual approach to tax reforms. He highlighted the need for tax policies that not only support economic growth but also mitigate inflationary pressures, contributing to overall economic stability. Furthermore, he emphasized the critical role of digitalization in improving the efficiency of tax systems and ensuring compliance, stressing the necessity of an equitable global tax system that reflects the developmental needs and priorities of each country.
In addition to the main G20 sessions, Mr. Rami Abu El-Naga, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, participated in the second meeting of G20 Deputy Finance Ministers and Deputy Central Bank Governors, where they evaluated the effectiveness of the group’s financial track. Additionally, he took part in the inaugural meeting of the BRICS Deputy Finance Ministers and Deputy Central Bank Governors, held on the sidelines of the G20 discussions. These meetings provided a platform to review Brazil’s presidency priorities for BRICS, particularly those concerning central banking.
Egypt’s participation in the 2025 G20 meetings reflects the nation’s growing role in shaping global economic policies. This year’s involvement is especially notable, as it marks Egypt’s fifth participation since the G20’s establishment and the third consecutive year. The South African presidency, which runs from December 2024 to November 2025 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” has been instrumental in fostering international dialogue on the most pressing economic challenges of our time.
As the world grapples with diverse economic pressures, Egypt’s leadership in these forums reaffirms the country’s commitment to sustainable economic development and global financial stability.
