International Cooperation Minister Rania Al Mashat called on the finance sector to promote ESG principles and help fund private-sector projects to tackle climate change, in a keynote speech launching a series of climate seminars by HSBC, according to a cabinet statement. Al Mashat also held talks on adaptation finance with Stephen Moss, HSBC’s regional CEO for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, and Todd Wilcox, CEO and deputy chair of HSBC Egypt.

Other things we’re keeping an eye on this morning:

• FACT CHECK- Ezz Steel is not merging with Al Ezz Dekheila Steel, the company clarified in an EGX disclosure (pdf), denying reports that emerged in the local press.
• Standard Chartered will explore with the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (SFE) ways to finance our highway projects, as the government looks to net investments from the private sector for infrastructure projects. (Statement)
• New Zealand has opened its market to all Egyptian citrus exports for the first time, after allowing our oranges into the country two years ago. (statement)
• Banque Misr will facilitate the withdrawal and deposit of funds through POS terminals for customers of all banks. (Statement, pdf)
• The new chiefs of the Court of Cassation, State Council (Maglis El Dawla), and State Lawsuits Authority were sworn into office in the presence of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. (Statement)
• Dubai’s Shuaa Capital has sold its Egyptian brokerage unit via a capital reduction transaction worth AED 3.6 mn (USD 980k), as part of the company’s wider strategy to exit its non-core businesses. (Statement, pdf)