CABINET WATCH- Cabinet approves framework of int’l arbitration advisory committee: The Madbouly Cabinet approved yesterday the operating framework for a recently-formed government advisory committee on international arbitration, which would study, review, and make recommendations on the cases referred to it, according to a statement. The committee will be headed by the deputy justice minister for arbitration, and will include members from different ministries and government bodies. The committee will also have the capacity to tap independent experts for further consultations.

Cabinet also signed off on amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act that would expand the definition of “money” to include oil, natural resources, securities, and cryptocurrency, among others. The amendments would also impose a seven-year prison sentence and hefty fines on those found guilty of laundering any form of “money.” This appears to be part of a wider clampdown on terrorist financing, which saw the House of Representatives greenlight proposed amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act that expand the definition of terrorist financing, earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Hala Zayed presented a proposal for a new family planning strategy after Egypt saw the birth of its 100 mnth child on Tuesday. The statement was scant on the details of the proposal, which appears to focus on increasing women’s employment and entrepreneurship and raising awareness on family planning across the country.