Report on H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat’s Participation in the World Economic Forum 2025

Overview of the Event

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of Egypt, participated as a co-chair in the high-level discussion session titled “Where is the Belt and Road in 2025?” This session was part of the World Economic Forum meetings held from June 23-26, 2025, in Tianjin, China, under the theme “Resilient Economic Policies to Keep Up with Global Change.”

The event included policymakers, private sector leaders, and entrepreneurs from over 90 countries, emphasizing global collaboration aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Sustainable Development

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of international partnerships based on shared and mutual interests. She emphasized that the participation of numerous countries in the Belt and Road Initiative reflects its global significance.

Key points on the BRI’s contribution to sustainable development include:

1. Celebration of the 10th anniversary of the BRI, showcasing projects supporting sustainable infrastructure.
2. Implementation of projects in transport, renewable energy, and ports that align with national priorities and the SDGs.
3. Projects in Egypt under the BRI are consistent with the country’s national agenda and strategic goals, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Accelerating Implementation Through National and International Initiatives

The Minister noted that the BRI acts as a catalyst for advancing national strategies and is complemented by other initiatives such as China’s Global Development Initiative. These initiatives run parallel and support BRI projects, fostering sustainable development and economic growth.

Financing and Resource Mobilization

Financing remains a critical factor in the success of BRI projects. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat explained:

• Development finance plays a major role in funding projects, particularly in sustainable transport and renewable energy sectors in Egypt.
• There is significant mobilization of resources from the private sector, including access to low-cost development finance, which supports investment and aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Innovative financing solutions and multiple sources of funding are necessary to address the common challenge of project costs.

Egypt-China Relations and Development Cooperation

The Minister outlined the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and China, which are based on:

1. Investment: Chinese companies investing in Egypt, especially within the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, where over 150 companies operate, creating more than 10,000 jobs.
2. Development Cooperation: Collaborative projects in health, satellite technology, and capacity building supported by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
3. Debt Management: China’s signing of a debt swap agreement with Egypt, contributing to sustainable development financing.

These efforts support multiple SDGs, including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 9.

Flexibility and National Ownership within the Belt and Road Initiative

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the BRI is a flexible framework rather than a rigid blueprint. It allows each country to design projects that align with its national vision and priorities, ensuring ownership and relevance to local development goals.

Global Financing for Development

The Minister referred to the upcoming 4th Financing for Development Conference scheduled in Seville on June 30, 2025. This UN conference, held every ten years, focuses on financing development in developing and emerging economies.

Key messages include:

• Reducing reliance on debt financing.
• Increasing mobilization of private sector resources to finance development projects.
• Exploring international initiatives such as debt-for-development and investment swap mechanisms to address debt challenges.

These approaches are critical to achieving the SDGs by ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Conclusion

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat’s participation in the World Economic Forum highlights Egypt’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships like the Belt and Road Initiative to advance sustainable development in line with the SDGs. The collaboration between Egypt and China exemplifies effective development cooperation, investment, and financing strategies that support resilient economic policies and global change.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses renewable energy projects supported under the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting investments in sustainable energy infrastructure in Egypt.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • References to investments, job creation (over 10,000 jobs in the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone), and economic cooperation between Egypt and China relate to promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The Belt and Road Initiative supports sustainable infrastructure projects in transport, ports, and capacity building, which align with this goal.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article emphasizes international partnerships, development cooperation, financing mechanisms, and global initiatives supporting sustainable development.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Development cooperation includes projects in health, indicating relevance to this goal.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities, and encourage innovation.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. For SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption – implied through the mention of renewable energy projects and investments.
2. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities – implied through job creation statistics in the economic zone.
   • Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person – implied by economic growth and investment references.
3. For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road – implied through infrastructure development projects.
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP – implied through capacity building and technological cooperation.
4. For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Indicator 17.3.1: Foreign direct investments, official development assistance, and South-South cooperation as a proportion of total domestic budget – implied through financing and development cooperation discussions.
   • Indicator 17.9.1: Dollar value of financial and technical assistance committed to developing countries – implied through capacity building and cooperation projects.
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships – implied through private sector mobilization and partnerships.
5. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services – implied through health projects mentioned in development cooperation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: zawya.com