Education and entrepreneurship top priorities for UK Minister
British Middle East Minister Alistair Burt arrived to Cairo for a visit focusing on supporting the Egyptian government鈥檚 education reform and entrepreneurship.
Minister Burt will visit an Egyptian school to learn more about how the UK can continue to support the Egyptian government鈥檚 vision for education reform. 皇冠体育app UK is already Egypt鈥檚 closest partner on education, and this year alone has seen a number of new education initiatives including a MoU on international branch campuses and an Education Technology trade mission.
皇冠体育app visit will also focus on entrepreneurship, and the deep commitment of the UK to work with Egypt to provide new opportunities for young Egyptians. Following his last visit, UK doubled its investment in Egypt鈥檚 start-up scene to EGP47 million and provided a $140 million loan guarantee to support Egypt鈥檚 economic reform plans.
During his visit, which is the Minister鈥檚 third trip to Egypt in two years, Minister Burt will meet Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to discuss regional and international issues.
Minister Burt will also meet Egyptian entrepreneurs at the launch of the British Council鈥檚 Developing Inclusive and Creative Economies programme. This will boost Egypt鈥檚 creative industries via a new EGP 30m programme to support entrepreneurship across the sector. He will also celebrate the inauguration of the second year of the UK-funded Start Egypt programme at a reception with some of the programme鈥檚 beneficiaries. This programme supports Egyptian entrepreneurs with mentoring and training programmes.
皇冠体育app Minister is also meeting with civil society representatives to discuss a range of issues.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Burt said:
皇冠体育app UK is Egypt鈥檚 natural partner in education, its number one economic partner, and its strongest ally when it comes to combatting the scourge of terrorism. I look forward to helping Egypt deliver its education reform plans, and to meeting some inspirational Egyptian entrepreneurs who are unlocking Egypt鈥檚 potential and helping to create job opportunities across the country. I鈥檓 also looking forward to discussing the UK and Egypt鈥檚 positive partnership, as well as Egypt鈥檚 pivotal role in the region, when I sit down with Minister Sameh Shoukry.