Egypt is now pursuing a strategy of comprehensive economic development, International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr writes in El Watan. Nasr says that, unlike the expansion in the 00s, there is now a dual focus on achieving high growth rates as well as guaranteeing that there is a fair distribution of economic opportunity that works on reducing poverty and reducing the gaps in income inequality. There is a specific focus, she says, on education and healthcare programmes as well as cash transfer initiatives including the Takaful and Karama projects. Nasr also says the government is exerting more effort on supporting youth-led initiatives and SMEs.