Seven downstream firms and two oil services subsidiaries of state firm EGPC are among 23 companies that Egypt’s Ministry of Finance this week announced will be offered under the country’s privatization plans.

These have the aim of delivering a shot in the arm to the Egyptian economy whilst broadening private sector participation: “part of the government’s agenda is to reduce the role of the state in the economy and unleash the potential of the private sector,” in the words of the IMF. (CONTINUED - 485 WORDS)