“We are living in the era of megaprojects,” Aboul Enein noted, pointing out that the Egyptian economy represented an exceptional case amid Coronavirus crisis, as Egypt is the only country in the Middle East that achieved a positive growth rate amid the pandemic since the political leadership is dealing intelligently and wisely with the crisis in addition to the package of stimulus and exceptional measures taken by the government and the Central Bank under the direction of the President.
In his interview with the state-owned Newspaper “Al Ahram”, Aboul Enein added that the Coronavirus crisis hit the world while Egypt was in a good economic situation.
“We have a diversified economy, and thanks to the economic reform program that the country has implemented since 2016, the growth rate in 2019 was the third-highest growth rate globally, and all indicators, whether of the budget deficit, public debt, inflation rate, unemployment rate, and the volume of investment, are the best in 12 years.”
“Consequently, the economy succeeded in absorbing many of the economic and social repercussions of the crisis, but it certainly it affected a number of sectors and contributed to the decline in economic indicators.” The prominent businessman stressed.
He noted: “If it weren’t for the pandemic, Egypt would have continued to achieving unprecedented economic figures, however, Egypt is the only country in the Middle East to achieve a positive growth rate of 3.9% at the end of 2019-2020 Fiscal year, amid IMF’s praise for the Egyptian economy and for achieving better performance than expected despite the pandemic.”
He also stressed that President El-Sisi is dealing wisely with the health, social and economic consequences and dimensions of the pandemic, pointing out that Egypt is one of the first countries in the world to obtain the Coronavirus vaccine and this proves that president Sisi is seeking to save the Egyptian people from any possible danger.
Aboul Enein said that Sisi represents a major supporter of investment as he succeeded in restoring the credibility of the state, led the movement of developing the infrastructure, drew the future vision, and implemented proactive programs and policies that have made Egypt in recent years a model in development and construction.
“We have to commend what the parliament has accomplished during the past five years, since it issued more than 800 legislations. It was a message of reassurance and confidence to the Egyptian people and the world that investing in Egypt is safe and profitable,” the MP added.
He pointed out to the great ambitions of President El-Sisi for the progress of Egypt, as he has managed to get Egypt out of a dark economic tunnel after a one-year rule by the terrorist group, “so we need legislation that keeps pace with this great ambition, especially since the post-Corona pandemic economy needs new legislation.”
Aboul Enein noted that President El-Sisi, since assuming power, has an ambitious vision in addition to his proactive steps, and his goal is to build a new, strong, stable and prosperous country, and he succeeded in creating a single work system in which everyone involved, including government, parliament, judiciary, armed forces, police, agencies, and citizens to achieve one goal, which is building a new state with great ambitions.
“Let me emphasize that what Egypt is experiencing in the era of President El-Sisi is like a miracle, not only in the economy, but in various fields. With the testimony of international and economic institutions, Egypt will be among the 30 major economies in the world by 2030, and will be included in the list of the fastest growing economies in the world, so the president changes Egypt, and was able to transform chaos into stability, and recession into accelerated growth.”
As for the role of the next parliament in light of the presence of national institutions, youth and women, Aboul Enein affirmed that the participation of women and the presence of youth in the largest percentage in the history of Egypt represent a great addition to the parliamentary performance in the coming period, noting that the next parliament has a great responsibility to work with other state institutions and support the president’s efforts to build a modern Egypt through legislation, and the supervisory role.
“I think that it is necessary to broadcast the parliament sessions, so that the citizen can follow up what is happening inside the parliament.”
During the first wave of the pandemic, Aboul Enein Allocated 78 million pounds for the state to confront the Coronavirus crisis, he commented on this step by saying:” At a time of crises, we will not only provide our money, but our souls as well are ready to be a sacrifice for this country.”
On his calls to build an economic capital, the MP said that Egypt is already building a new economic capital next to the administrative capital. “This capital is the economic zone of the Suez Canal, the largest economic region in the world, this is the economic capital that I have been talking about for about 25 years, and this region is qualified to become one of the most important investment attractions in the region and the world through its unique geographical location near the Suez Canal.”
On the other hand, the prominent businessman stressed that a plan must be drawn up to promote Egypt and build a global name for it in the global investment market, in cooperation between the government, the public and private sectors. This plan includes films, advertisements and propaganda to promote the image of Egypt, its legislation, policies, and promising investment opportunities. “This is of utmost importance in light of the campaigns funded by other foreign entities to distort every Egyptian achievement.”
“I suggest forming a national committee to unify and coordinate Egypt’s marketing efforts internally and externally, and create a new job in Egyptian embassies abroad to promote investment opportunities.”
On European Parliament resolution on human rights in Egypt, Aboul Enein confirmed that the European Parliament’s statement was based on false information and contrary to reality, pointing out that Egypt is a sovereign state led by a leader who does not accept interference in its affairs, and is keen to protect human rights.
On a question about his prominent role within the halls of the United Nations in changing the image of the June 30 revolution, he said: “ I went to the United Nations seven times, during which I met the Secretary-General of the United Nations four times, as I participate in the annual General Assembly meetings that are held in September in the presence of heads of state.
In December 2013, the first visit was an exceptional visit within a high-level delegation of members of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliament, and over 5 days I met with the United Nations committees and its specialized agencies, and at the end of the visit, the delegation met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and for an hour, I explained to him and the members of the delegation the full facts about the situation in Egypt and how the June 30 Revolution embodied the free will of the Egyptian people and saved Egypt from the dark tunnel.”
“In 2019 I met with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, and I explained to him the dimensions of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue and that the issue of the Nile water for Egypt is an issue of rights, and dignity in addition to the effects of the dam crisis on international security and stability.”
As for the role of Egyptian media to confront the plots of the platforms of evil forces that try to distort any achievement in Egypt by spreading rumors, Aboul Enein said that Media is one of the most important industries in the world, and the third largest industry, which affects all aspects of life. It is an industry that affects national security.
“I decided to establish “Sada El Balad” channel during serious period to confront the malicious and hostile media that does not hesitate to spread poisons, so there was a need for a patriotic channel to broadcast and transmit the truth and spread awareness among the Egyptians.”