Latest news with #MinistryofPlanning
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al-Mashat Interview Panel for "Women Lead for Executives" Program at NTA
Israa Farhan Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, chaired one of the interview panels on Thursday for applicants to the 'Women Lead for Executives' program, organized by the National Training Academy (NTA) in partnership with the Ministry. This initiative is part of national efforts to qualify women for leadership roles and promote their economic, social, and political empowerment. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of the 'Women Lead for Executives' program, which is one of the distinguished training programs provided by the NTA in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. The program targets women in executive positions across various institutions, ranging in age from 22 to 50. She noted that with every round of interviews, she witnesses the advancement in the caliber of applicants and their eagerness to acquire the skills that will enable them to contribute to the prosperity and progress of our beloved nation. The Minister noted that Egyptian women have received significant attention under the leadership of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic. This has been reflected in the launch of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030 and the measures that have enabled women to hold leadership positions that were previously inaccessible. She added that empowering women economically, socially, and politically does not only benefit women themselves, but yields positive results across all aspects of life in Egypt. She further explained that women's empowerment is a key component of the state's efforts to invest in human capital and develop the skills of young men and women, enhancing their ability to assume leadership positions. The state is working to integrate gender equality and women's economic and social empowerment across all development plans. As such, women's empowerment has become a core component of the economic and social development plan, as well as various strategies and programs being implemented in cooperation with bilateral and multilateral development partners. Dr. Al-Mashat added: 'Empowering women economically, socially, and politically is a significant responsibility. Women are required to constantly prove their competence and capability to hold such positions. In addition, they bear a major responsibility in encouraging more women and girls to enter various fields of work, thereby increasing women's participation in the labor market.' Dr. Rasha Ragheb, Executive Director of the NTA, welcomed Dr. Rania Al-Mashat upon her arrival at the Academy headquarters in Giza Governorate. Dr. Al-Mashat and Dr. Ragheb toured the training sessions taking place under the Support for Improvement in Governance and Management (SIGMA) program. This program is part of the effective partnership between the NTA, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Minister took the opportunity to motivate the participants in the program, stressing the importance of the partnership between Egypt and the OECD. This partnership has resulted in the implementation of several programs that contribute to strengthening governance mechanisms and supporting development efforts in Egypt. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
All components of innovation ecosystem being integrated for first time: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that 'for the first time, we are integrating all components of the innovation ecosystem, including civil-military fusion—mirroring the early development of Silicon Valley.' The minister chaired a high-level strategic meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday to review progress on the landmark initiative 'Quantum Valley Pakistan.' The meeting was attended by Dr Najeeb Ullah, Member Science and Technology, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Information Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Planning. Speaking at the meeting, the minister said, 'This is the first major initiative under our Science, Technology, and Engineering for Development (STED) programme. Pakistan is taking concrete steps to evolve into a knowledge-based, techno-economic power.' He emphasised that Quantum Valley Pakistan—envisioned as the country's answer to Silicon Valley—is Pakistan's most ambitious techno-national initiative to date. He stated that the project will include state-of-the-art science parks specializing in emerging technologies such as agri-tech, biotechnology, advanced materials, and minerals. He said 'it aims at promoting civil-defence fusion in R&D for economic development, fast-track high-tech industrialization, and localising global innovation models to meet national needs by targeting Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 6.' Highlighting past efforts, Minister Iqbal remarked that the journey began with the launch of Vision 2010, followed by the allocation of 10,000 PhD scholarships to create a critical mass of scientists, technologists, and researchers, and the establishment of National Centres for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Big Data, and Cyber security. After progressing through various stages of capacity building and institutional development, the time has now come to consolidate these efforts into a robust, integrated innovation ecosystem that will propel Pakistan into the ranks of globally competitive knowledge economies.' The minister directed that the execution of Quantum Valley Pakistan will be a joint effort involving the Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Information Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Defence, and the National Technology Fund (Ignite). The project is set to play a transformative role in positioning Pakistan at the forefront of global technological innovation. During the meeting, Dr Najeeb Ullah briefed participants on the strategic design framework of Quantum Valley Pakistan, which has been developed in collaboration with the renowned St John's Innovation Centre at the University of Cambridge. The Centre, a global leader in enterprise and technological innovation, has played a pivotal role in shaping this visionary concept aimed at transforming Pakistan into a regional hub for advanced science, technology, and high-tech entrepreneurship. Dr Najeeb noted that the idea was formally explored during Minister Iqbal's recent visit to the University of Cambridge, where discussions were held on leveraging UK–Pakistan collaboration to promote research, innovation, and industrial advancement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
See - Sada Elbalad
21-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al-Mashat Meets UN Assistant Secretary-General & UNDP Regional Director for Arab States to Discuss Enhancing Joint Relations
Rana Atef Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and Egypt's Governor to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), met with Dr. Abdallah Al-Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States. This meeting took place during her participation in the 2025 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group held in Algeria, under the theme "Economic Diversification, Enriching Life." During the meeting, both sides reviewed the partnership framework between Egypt and the UNDP, within the broader partnership with the United Nations, and the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Cooperation for Sustainable Development 2023-2027. In this regard, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the evolution of the partnership with the UNDP over the past years and its diversification across various fields that enhance development efforts. The two sides also touched on preparations for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain next June, and its importance in reforming the global financial structure and exploring solutions to complex challenges facing the global development landscape. They also discussed joint events to be held by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in cooperation with the UNDP, during the conference to advance global efforts in climate finance and stimulate private sector participation. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat commended the effective participation of the UNDP with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation in launching the Integrated National Strategy for Financing Development last March. This strategy is a key document that highlights Egypt's approach to financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proposes an integrated national financing framework that serves as an umbrella encompassing various financing initiatives aimed at accelerating the achievement of the SDGs. In this context, Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that the Ministry is moving towards the implementation phase, and expressed aspiration for continued support from the Programme in activating the strategy's action plan, particularly in coordination with development partners and other financial institutions. The goal is to translate Egypt's Vision 2030 and the SDGs into an integrated financing system that links planning and financing. Dr. Al-Mashat also expressed anticipation of continued cooperation with the Programme in preparing the Human Development Report for Egypt for 2025. A pivotal foundational workshop was organized on April 13, 2025, bringing together representatives from academia, civil society, and national institutions. She emphasized the importance of broad participation and the involvement of multiple stakeholders in formulating the report's vision and determining its analytical path. In a related context, the meeting reviewed Egypt's progress in the 2025 UNDP Human Development Index report, particularly regarding the improvement of healthcare services, years of schooling, and closing the gender gap. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the Ministry's endeavors to maximize economic development in order to bridge sectoral development gaps in various fields, especially in human and industrial development and other priority areas. Minister Al-Mashat also presented the national narrative for economic development that the Ministry seeks to launch in the coming period. This narrative aims to align Egypt's Vision 2030 with the government's action program by setting clear targets that contribute to boosting economic development and achieving the resilience of the Egyptian economy, with a focus on key sectors: macroeconomic stability and financing for development, industrial development, foreign direct investment, employment, and investment in human capital. Dr. Al-Mashat praised the Programme's support in preparing and publishing 27 local reports on localizing the SDGs. She welcomed the signing of a joint project for localizing the SDGs in cooperation with the UNDP, the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and UNICEF, in addition to implementing this ambitious initiative. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Economy posts surprise growth of 2.7%
Development of SMEs, youth entrepreneurship, and rigorous economic diplomacy would be vital for the quick revival of the economy, regional expert Dr Mehmoodul Hassan Khan said. photo: file Listen to article The government on Tuesday claimed that the economy grew by 2.7% in the current fiscal year, driven by an unexpected 4.8% growth in the industrial sector — despite earlier concerns over contractionary policies and the high cost of doing business. Throughout the year, the government had reported a decline in electricity generation. However, it now claims a 39.3% increase in gross value addition in the electricity sector. Similarly, the construction sector, previously struggling due to high taxation and low demand, was reported to have grown by 6.6%. On the other hand, major crops saw a drop in output: wheat production declined by 9%, rice by 1.4% and cotton by a significant 31%. Despite the surprising growth claim, the 2.7% GDP increase is nearly equal to the population growth rate of 2.6%, suggesting that poverty and unemployment may have worsened. Moreover, the government missed even its modest growth target of 3.6%. The 113th meeting of the National Accounts Committee approved the provisional GDP growth rate of 2.68% for fiscal year 2024-25, stated the Ministry of Planning after the meeting. Planning Secretary Awais Manzur Sumra chaired the NAC meeting. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb would officially launch the economic growth figure on June 1. The planning ministry further said that the NAC approved the provisional growth rates in agriculture, industry and services sector. It said that the agriculture sector grew marginally at 0.6%, but the industrial sector grew 4.8% and the services sector by 2.9%. The 2.7% growth rate can only be attained, if Pakistan's economy grows at a pace of 5.3% in the April-June quarter of this fiscal year, said an official on the condition of anonymity. The economic growth in the third quarter was 2.4%. The per capita income is now claimed to have increased to $1,824 and the size of the economy in dollar terms is $411 billion, said the Ministry of Planning. It said that on the basis of the latest figures of the national accounts aggregates for FY 2024-25, the overall size of the economy stands at Rs114.7 trillion or $410.96 billion as compared to $371.7 billion last year. It underlined that the series of per capita income from 2016-17 onwards will be revised after the receipt of backward and forward projections of population from the sources on the basis of the 2023 Population Census. Agriculture sector The NAC approved that important crops have declined by 13.5% due to a decrease in the production of wheat from 31.8 million metric tons to 29 million tons. The claim of 29 million tons wheat production was far higher than the Ministry of Finance's own projections of around 26 million tons expected production this year. The Planning Ministry said that the production of maize decreased by 15.4% to 8.24 million tons, rice output fell 1.4% to 9.7 million tons and sugarcane output decreased 4% to 84.24 million tons. The cotton crop sustained a major hit with a 31% dip in production. The cotton bales decreased from 10.22 million bales to 7.1 million bales. But the Planning Ministry claimed that despite a 17% reduction in the production of grams, other crops have posted a provisional growth of 4.8% due to double-digit growth in the production of potato, onion, mango and sesame. While cotton ginning & miscellaneous components have declined by 19%, livestock, forestry and fishing have posted provisional growth rates of 4.72%, 3.03% and 1.42%, it added. Industrial growth The Planning Ministry claimed that in this fiscal year, "industry has shown a growth of 4.77% provisionally". Despite an increase in the production of coal (2.84%), the mining & quarrying industry contracted by 3.4% because of a decrease in production of natural gas by 7.05%), crude oil output decreased by 14.7%. The planning ministry said that large scale manufacturing also witnessed a negative growth of 1.53%, with mixed trend in the production of various groups. "Electricity, gas and water supply industry has shown a positive growth of 28.9% primarily due to low base effect of FY 2023-24, i.e., -19.86% as well as increase in output of WAPDA & companies", claimed the Planning Ministry. Construction industry increased by 6.61% due to increase in construction-related expenditures by the private sector and general government, it added. The growth in the construction sector is based on the claim that the government will spend Rs1.1 trillion on development in this fiscal year, which is untrue. Likewise, the electricity growth claim is based on the assumption that Rs1.2 trillion power subsidies will be utilized in this fiscal year. Services Sector The planning ministry said that the services sector has also shown a growth of 2.91% in 2024-25 with positive contributions from all the constituents. Wholesale and retail trade has witnessed a modest growth of 0.14% because of slower output growth in agriculture and manufacturing. Transport and storage industry has increased by 2.2% because of an increase in output of water, air and road transport, it added. Information & Communication has grown by 6.5% due to increase in output of computer programming and consultancy activities 24%). Slower rate of inflation and low base effect has resulted into positive growth rates in Finance & Insurance and Public Administration and Social Security industries at 3.22% and 9.92% respectively, it added, Further, both Education and Human health and Social Work industries have posted positive growth of 4.43% and 3.71% respectively, said the planning ministry.
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Uplift projects: Ministry authorises Rs894.1bn in 10 months
ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has authorised a total of Rs894.1 billion (81.28 per cent) out of Rs1.1trillion budgeted allocation for development projects from July to April under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)-2024-25. Out of the total authorised/disbursed amount, the total amount spent so far on the development projects during the corresponding period stood at Rs448.64 billion (50.2 per cent), according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. According to the Ministry of Finance's notification, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives authorised 15 per cent funds for the first quarter, 20 percent for the second quarter, 25 percent for the third quarter, and 40 percent for the fourth quarter under the PSDP. PSDP 2024-25: Rs628.891bn development funds released in 7 months According to data available, the Planning Ministry authorised Rs638.23 billion for development projects of various federal ministries, divisions and other departments against Rs839.67 billion budgeted allocations while Rs339.2 billion has been spent on the projects from July to April for the financial year 2024-25. The ministry authorised Rs225.85 billion out of Rs255.85 billion budgeted for the National Highways Authority (NHA) and Power Division (NTDC/PEPCO) for development projects while a total of Rs109.44 billion has been spent so far. A total of Rs161.26 billion has been authorised out of Rs161.26 billion for development projects of the NHA and Rs94.59 billion out of Rs94.59 billion budgeted allocations for the power sector (NTDC/PEPCO) for the current fiscal year. According to the data, a total of Rs169.6 billion out of Rs169.6 billion has been authorised for development projects of Water Resources Division while Rs72.55 billion has been spent. A total of Rs48.64 billion has been authorised out of Rs50.77 billion budgeted allocations for development projects for the Cabinet Division while Rs34.969 billion has been spent. The ministry also authorised Rs156.598 billion out of Rs276.47 billion for provinces and Special Areas while Rs99.96 billion has been spent on the development projects. A total of Rs56.94 billion out of Rs61.11 billion has been authorised for development projects of Higher Education Commission (HEC) while Rs24.886 billion has been spent so far. The ministry has authorised Rs8.374 billion out of Rs9.93 billion for the development projects of National Food Security and Research Division. A total of Rs22 billion out of Rs35 billion has been authorised for development projects of Railway Division while Rs20.975 billion has been spent so far. The ministry also authorised Rs5.042 billion out of Rs6.3 billion for development projects of the Aviation Division, Rs4.174 billion for the Climate Change Division, Rs17.25 billion for the Federal Education and Professional Training Division, Rs414.4 million for States and Frontier Regions Division, Rs8.375 billion for Information Technology and Telecom Division and Rs3.7 billion for Information and Broadcasting Division. The ministry also authorised Rs21 billion out of Rs24.75 billion for development projects of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division, Rs9.78 billion out Rs9.78 billion budgeted allocation for the Interior Division, Rs4.578 billion for Defence Division, Rs2.2 billion for Defence Production Division, Rs7.5 billion for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division, Rs1.56 billion for Maritimes Affairs Division, Rs6.65 billion for Science and Technological Research Division and Rs2.13 billion for Finance Division, Rs1.95 billion for Petroleum Division. Planning Ministry also authorised Rs254.80 million to the Ministry of Communications (other than NHA), Rs322.35 million for the Establishment Division, Rs4.109 billion to the Housing and Works Division, Rs104 million to the Human Rights Division, Rs1.207 billion to Inter Provincial Coordination Division, Rs930 million to the Law and Justice Division, Rs355.25 million to the National Heritage and Culture Division, Rs256.33 million to the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Rs175 million to the Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Division and Rs5.817 billion to the Revenue Division etc. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
