Hello everyone, I’m John Barsa, the Acting Administrator of USAID.

USAID has had an incredible four decades of partnership with the people and Government of Egypt. Since 1978, USAID has contributed over $30 billion in development assistance to Egypt.

Together, we have worked to bolster self-reliance, foster stability, promote sustainable economic growth, empower women, and reduce poverty. And we are committed to working collaboratively to achieve Egypt’s Vision 2030.

This is quite the list of achievements. And we are proud of them—our partnership is strong because together, we have achieved real results. But, there is still work to be done. And that is why I am here today.

We are excited to announce that USAID, through the generosity of the Trump Administration, is contributing an additional $22.8 million to improve Egypt’s investment climate by supporting effective and transparent public institutions, increasing women’s participation in the labor force, and ensuring that all Egyptians benefit from essential services.

These funds are going to support four programs that are steeped in Egypt and the United States’ shared development goals.

This funding will support Egypt’s ambitious public reform agenda with a new Economic Governance program to increase the effectiveness of public institutions in Egypt.

It includes an Economic Courts program to strengthen Egypt's commercial courts system, to promote investment and economic growth.

Through the Women’s Economic and Social Empowerment program, in alignment with the goals of the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, USAID, the Egyptian government, and the private sector will work to increase women’s participation in the formal economy, expand women’s financial inclusion, and reduce the socio-economic impacts of violence against women.

Finally, a new program supports inclusive economic development by promoting empowerment and understanding between different communities and strengthening girls’ rights to education, health, and work.

We have a lot of work ahead of us. But I am confident that USAID and the Egyptian government are up for the task.

Our relationship is strong, and our will to deliver effective programs to the Egyptian people is even stronger.

I want to thank Minister Al-Mashat, the Ministry of International Cooperation, the many ministries with which we work closely, and the Egyptian people for your continued partnership.

I am eager to implement these programs with you in the coming years and to see what we can achieve together. Thank you.