COVID-19 crisis likely to propel social protection reforms: Mashaat

CAIRO - 12 April 2020: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is likely to accelerate the structural reforms as regards the social protection and the irregular workers alongside activating the financial inclusion as per the policies of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), said International Cooperation Minister Rania el Mashaat on Monday.

The minister was addressing a video conference session about the short and long-term repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic organized by the Middle East Institute (MEI), a leading non-profit think tank and cultural center in the US capital, Washington.

The session brought together a galaxy of economic experts for talks on policies and measures adopted by governments to soften the economic impacts of the COVID-19 and the response of the private sector to such measures.

Mashaat expounded the efforts of the Egyptian government to confront the coronavirus as well as its post-crisis rebuilding strategy.

She pointed out to a platform established by her ministry with the development partners and international funding institutions in order to maintain an immediate response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

All measure taken to withstand the impacts of the COVID-19 will not hamper the development process, especially attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the minister asserted.

Meanwhile, MEI President Paul Salem hailed measures taken by the Egyptian government to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

He added that the COVID-19 crisis should pose a historic incentive for the regional cooperation.