Arab Finance: Egypt and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have outlined priorities for the second phase of their Country Programme, including business competitiveness, resource mobilization and the modernization of national accounts, as per a statement.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom met with Karim Dahou, deputy director of the OECD’s Global Relations and Co-operation Directorate, during the inaugural Alamein-Africa Business Forum 2026. The talks covered ongoing programs, future cooperation and preparations for an OECD ministerial conference in Egypt.

After reviewing the first phase’s outcomes, Rostom said technical teams would begin meetings to define the next phase’s priorities. Areas of focus include improving institutional efficiency, strengthening the business environment, drawing on international expertise in direct resource mobilization, and developing a modern national accounts system.

The New Capital is preparing to host the OECD ministerial conference for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with the organization’s secretary-general and delegations from member states expected to participate.

Rostom said hosting the event reflects Egypt’s longstanding partnership with the OECD and supports efforts to promote regional economic stability and growth.

Entrepreneurship was another focus of the meeting. Rostom called for a stronger regional approach to help Egyptian and African startups access markets, capital, talent, and technological applications more quickly across the continent.

He also stressed the importance of adapting OECD policies to the characteristics of African economies.

Dahou praised the Egyptian government’s reform measures and reaffirmed the OECD’s commitment to providing technical and institutional assistance for sustainable development priorities in Egypt and elsewhere in Africa.