Egypt and Australia are moving to deepen bilateral cooperation with a renewed focus on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, following high-level talks between H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and Dr. Anne Aly, Australia’s Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both countries to placing women, small businesses, and civil society at the heart of development strategies, as part of broader efforts to translate economic growth into long-term social and economic resilience.
Women’s Empowerment Central to Inclusive Development
Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that empowering women economically and socially is a critical driver of sustainable development, job creation, and community resilience. She noted that Egypt’s development model prioritizes women’s participation across sectors, particularly through support for entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and community-based initiatives.
Both ministers agreed that directing financial resources toward high-impact interventions that support women-led businesses, civil society organizations, and local entrepreneurs is essential for achieving inclusive and equitable growth.
Strengthening Institutional Cooperation
During the talks, Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of formalizing and institutionalizing cooperation between Egypt and Australia, building on existing partnerships with international and regional organizations. She pointed to the potential for expanding collaboration through structured mechanisms and shared development frameworks, particularly in areas that directly benefit women and vulnerable communities.
Tourism Growth Creates New Opportunities for Women
The Egyptian minister also reviewed Egypt’s strong performance in the tourism sector, noting that the country welcomed approximately 19 million tourists this year — an unprecedented figure reflecting a faster-than-expected recovery despite global and regional challenges.
She explained that the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and major international events has enhanced Egypt’s global image, particularly in the Giza area, while creating new employment opportunities across the tourism value chain — many of which benefit women, especially in hospitality, cultural industries, and small enterprises.
Investment in human capital remains a priority, with Egypt expanding specialized tourism schools to equip young people, particularly women, with the skills needed to participate in the sector’s growth.
A Development Model Built on Human Capital
Dr. Al-Mashat outlined Egypt’s economic approach under “Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs, and Resilience,” which integrates national strategies with a strong emphasis on human development and gender inclusion.
She also highlighted opportunities for cooperation with Australia in priority sectors such as mining, tourism, and rural community development, noting that women’s economic participation is increasingly embedded in sectoral reform efforts.
Australia Praises Egypt’s Progress
For her part, Dr. Anne Aly emphasized the vital role played by civil society organizations and regional technical institutions, particularly in fragile and underserved areas, describing them as key partners in delivering impactful development programs that empower women and local communities.
She praised Egypt’s continued progress across multiple sectors, especially tourism, noting that the country’s development momentum is evident during her frequent visits.
Dr. Aly also explained that Australia has recently completed a comprehensive review of its international development programs to enhance impact, efficiency, and alignment with partner-country priorities — with a strong focus on gender equality, women’s economic participation, and long-term sustainability.
Turning Momentum Into Action
Dr. Al-Mashat stressed the importance of building on positive perceptions and translating them into practical, results-oriented cooperation, supported by clear mechanisms and coordinated efforts. She said strengthening Egypt–Australia economic and investment ties — particularly in women-led enterprises and priority growth sectors — will be central to the next phase of partnership.
The talks signal a shared vision between Egypt and Australia: one in which women’s empowerment is not a standalone goal, but a core pillar of economic development, social inclusion, and sustainable growth.
