Officials from the European Union discussed Sunday with Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Sahar Nasr the developments in the second phase of ongoing technical and vocational education and training reform cooperation (TVET II). TVET II programme is at total cost of €117 million ($131 million), in which the EU contribution is worth €50 million in form of a non-refundable, whereas the Egyptian government's contribution amounts to €67 million. The EU and the Egyptian government signed in December 2013 the ENPI/2012/023-386 agreement "Support Technical and Vocational Education and Training Reform Programme – Phase II (TVETII). The programme aims at improving the structure and performance of the TVET system to better respond to Egypt's new socio-economic needs, and in particular at boosting the employability of youth and increasing the country's competitiveness. The Technical and vocational education and training reform -phase II (TVET II) addresses several priority areas mentioned in the Joint Communication of the European Commission and of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy "A new response to a changing Neighbourhood"1. It is in line with the pillar III of the National Indicative Programme 2011-2013 having the objective to develop the sustainability of the development process and better management of human and natural resources. The programme will improve the structure and the performance of the TVET system to better respond to the socio-economic challenges of the country, in particular youth employability.
