Egypt Economy

Egypt’s government is working to obtain support for a new economic reform package it has prepared to qualify for a $3.2bn loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), though it may be a difficult task to convince opposition leaders and the public to back the plan.

The New Year sees a very different Egypt from the one that welcomed the opening of 2011, being in the process of instituting multi-party democracy, while trying to reshape the national economy. However, many hurdles still have to be overcome to ensure social, economic and political stability.

With its recently passed budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year, Egypt has established a revised set of ambitious targets for tackling its public expenditures. Having rebuffed aid offers from several international organisations and countries, the move is a sign that the country will steer clear of a rising budget deficit on its own accord.

To help offset a rising budget deficit – amid falling foreign investment resulting from recent political upheaval – Egypt is looking for international funding. The economic effects of events of early 2011, though predictable, have prompted some short-term concerns over public financing.