PS calls for strong Government-Private sector ties

The Principal Secretary ministry of Industrialization and enterprise development, Dr. Wilson Songa has called on the private sector to work more closely with the government to create job opportunities for the ever growing youth population in the country.

Dr, Wilson Songa Princpal Secretary ministry of Industrialization and Enterprise (file photo)

While officiating a three-day Vibrant Kenya Expo at the Oshwal religious centre in Westlands, that ended yesterday, the PS called on the private sector to embrace partnership with government in key areas of developments such as infrastructure to realize growth. “The government is committed and willing to create a conducive environment for business to thrive. This is can only be achieved if we cooperate for the benefit of our people,” Dr. Songa urged.

The Expo, which was organized by the Hindu Council of Kenya, attracted over 150 corporate organizations that were showcasing their innovative products and services to promote trade and social cultural harmony in the country.

Hindu Council of Kenya chairman Mr. Nitin Malde said the forum created a platform for the organizations to interact, promote trade and exchange information on products and services they offer to the people. “This meeting has also enabled us to form a special socio-cultural bond among members which was a historical milestone in Kenyan business perspective,” he added.

The Expo, a signature project of the council was a first of its kind, providing a unique opportunity to showcase products, culture and services on a single platform. There were also free medical checkups for visitors for their well-being. The Expo’s proceeds will go to worthy causes such as relief, welfare, environmental projects, health awareness and education to the needy.

The Hindu Council of Kenya is a non-commercial organization that serves the Hindu communities in Kenya. It has various branches across the country to help Hindus living in their respective regions. It act as a non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit organization that promotes legitimate social, cultural, educational and religious needs to form a unified nation.

Egyptian Government and MasterCard sign Memorandum of Understanding to Drive Financial Inclusion and Maximize Efficiency

Ajay Banga, CEO, MasterCard (left) and H.E. Atef Helmy, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt (right)

The Egyptian government, represented by The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and MasterCard  have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration that will help drive financial inclusion and maximize government efficiency.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Atef Helmy, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Ajay Banga, Chief Executive Officer at MasterCard, in the presence of H.E. Ibrahim Mahlab, Prime Minister of Egypt, and Richard Haythornthwaite, Chairman of MasterCard’s Board of Directors.

The partnership will see MasterCard bring latest payment technology innovations to market. In addition, the company will leverage its global experience working with governments across the world, to help the Egyptian government increase engagement with citizens.

                             

H.E. Atef Helmy, Minister of Communications and Information Technology said: “Under the leadership of H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt has been undergoing a period of positive change. The President and Government of Egypt believe that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) plays a vital role in supporting this change and in helping us better serve our citizens.

This collaboration with MasterCard will help the Government bring innovative new solutions to the Egyptian population.”

According to the Minister, knowledge transfer will play an important role in the partnership and MasterCard’s expertise will be leveraged to boost innovation efforts and enhance citizen engagement. A number of innovative programs will be implemented in the near future to help achieve these goals.

Ajay Banga, Chief Executive Officer, MasterCard said: “This partnership highlights our commitment to Egypt and its people. It is crucial for us to join forces with governments around the world to accelerate positive change for citizens. We have a long and rich history in Egypt, and we are excited about the opportunity to provide more Egyptians with access to financial services.”

As part of the agreement, MasterCard will also be working alongside Egypt Post to fully digitalize its customer base, and enable its 4000 branches to offer electronic value-added-services, employee trainings and expert driven workshops. This will help Egypt Post transition towards cashless payment solutions through the use of mobile phones and credit cards, ultimately improving its services and enhancing convenience.