Skepticism looms over Egypt’s plan to develop Sinai
The Egyptian minister of planning announced $316 million worth of investments in the Sinai Peninsula for fiscal year 2020, but observers are skeptical in light of the threats posed by the Islamic State in Sinai.
![EGYPT-ECONOMY/TOURISM A sign of Taba Protectorate is seen at the new road to Saint Catherine, in the Sinai Peninsula, south of Cairo, Egypt December 11, 2018. Picture taken December 11, 2018. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh - RC1D87D720C0](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/08/RTX6IEGQ.jpg/RTX6IEGQ.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=rE1HMXAP)
SINAI PENINSULA, Egypt — Egypt’s government is allocating investments in the Sinai Peninsula worth 5.23 billion Egyptian pounds ($316 million) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform announced the news in a statement Aug. 22.
This would increase by about 75% the government investments registered in fiscal 2019 in Sinai and falls within the scope of the Egyptian government endeavors to develop the area reeling under decades of neglect.