Prime Minister Hesham Qandil met with senior World Bank manager Mirza Hassan Saturday, along with Finance Minister Morsy Hegazy and Central Bank Governor Hesham Ramez, to discuss Egypt's economy and World Bank support for infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, Qandil asked for the World Bank's help in developing its railway systems, including with safety and security upgrades, employee training and bringing new technical expertise to railway projects.
Qandil also discussed with Hassan the government's efforts to meet citizens' basic needs and improve services, asking for the bank to support the government by helping to fund services in poor areas and villages, particularly drinking water services.
Qandil reportedly also raised the issue of smuggled funds by former regime officials abroad during the meeting and asked bank officials for their advise on recovering such assets, according to Cabinet spokesperson Alaa al-Hadidi.
Hassan said that the World Bank's Board of Directors is keen on providing the necessary support to Egypt during the current period, especially given the ongoing political situation, adding that Egypt's stability is central to the stability of the entire Middle East region.
The bank, Hassan added, is following the Egyptian government's efforts to combat poverty and is eager to support such efforts and provide expertise.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
