Egypt - Achievements
The European Commission’s Progress Report Egypt states that in spite of the short period since the launch of the EU-Egypt Action Plan in June 2007, Egypt has shown considerable commitment to putting in place the necessary institutional framework for its implementation.
Important progress has been made towards the goals for economic reform set out in the Action Plan, including significant steps towards streamlining the business environment, cutting red tape, making it easier to start up new businesses and reforming the customs and tariff regime, paving the way for increased trade and investment.
Egypt’s economic growth accelerated to 7.1% GDP in 2007. Egyptian exports to the EU have risen consistently since the entry into force of the Association Agreement (2004), reaching €7.5 billion in 2006. The EU is Egypt’s largest trading partner, representing over 40% of Egypt’s total trade.
A Memorandum of Understanding on strengthened energy cooperation was negotiated with Egypt in 2007 and will be signed in the near future.
Egypt actively pursues a regional policy of disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In 2007, the EU allocated €120 million for the Education Sector Policy Support Programme (ESPSP) in support of the Government’s education reform agenda. Support was given to the health sector reform through a programme of €110 million, which ended in 2007. A total of 125 Family Health Units in primarily rural areas were constructed/rehabilitated and equipped with medical and non-medical equipment. Medical and paramedical staff was given specialised training and a Family Health Fund (FHF) was established to provide a high quality primary health services. A further €120 million to support the health sector reform is planned for 2009.
