Egypt aims to position itself as a key exporter of skilled labor and attract more foreign investment, said Egyptian Minister of Labor Mohamed Gobran while sharing expectations for the upcoming BRICS Summit.
The 17th BRICS Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday and Monday.
Speaking with China Global Television Network (CGTN) days ahead of the summit, Gobran emphasized that Egypt, which officially joined the BRICS bloc in early 2024, attaches great importance to cooperation among the bloc's member states.
"The BRICS group is one of the largest economic blocs globally and is still growing. With China, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, and other member countries, it accounts for over 25 percent of total global exports. It is such a huge economic bloc that we must not ignore the opportunity to actively engage in its activities and cooperation. We have a strong delegation from the Ministry of Labor as we are seeking agreements in Brazil with other member states," he said.
Speaking about the country's efforts to meet rising international demand for Egyptian labor, the minister highlighted ongoing partnerships, training initiatives, and agreements with several countries to export skilled workers.
"Egypt is a young country. Youth account for 60 percent of our population. There are also experienced workers from various mega projects in the country, and this has contributed to the high demand for Egyptian workers. Serbia, Germany, Italy, and Greece have signed agreements to recruit our workers. We have a strategy for vocational training in partnership with the private sector, utilizing our expanding network of training centers," said Gobran.
He highlighted Egypt's dedication to boosting foreign investment through ongoing reforms and initiatives.
"The President has instructed us to provide incentives to encourage investors at the summit. We have issued a new Labor Law that removed many obstacles for investors. We have also digitized all paperwork to facilitate the business climate for investors. As a result, Egypt was recently ranked among the top 10 countries globally in attracting foreign investment, and we aim to build on that at the summit," said the minister.
Egypt seeks to export skilled labor, draw more investment, labor minister says ahead of BRICS summit
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
