The World Union of Arab Bankers honored Mr. Mohamed El-Etreby –
Chairman of Banque Misr – on the occasion of the Federation’s attainment of the
award for “Outstanding Performance in Facing the COVID-19 Crisis”, during a
ceremony held in Beirut, Lebanon on Friday, 18th December 2020. This
accolade comes as a merit of entitlement for FEB, which has recently – and
since declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic – prioritized the health and safety
of customers and employees of the banking sector, owing to its pivotal role in
the realm of corporate social responsibility and the initiatives it spearheads
towards advancing Egyptian society.
FEB’s efforts mirror the state’s strive – during these testing
times – for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on an economic, social and health
level. The pandemic has been professionally and soundly managed, thank to the
collective efforts of all state authorities that have diligently supported
citizens. As such, the interests of Egyptians and maintaining their health and
safety were prioritized above all other considerations.
FEB had firmly supported the efforts exerted by the state in
combating COVID-19 and mitigating its effects; from establishing a plan for
precautionary measures to be observed by banks in order to maintain the health
and safety of banking sector employees and customers, to coordinating the
collection of donations for those most affected – amounting to some EGP 750
million – and collaborating with the state to provide medication and medical
equipment to those in need. This is in addition to the awareness campaign
launched by FEB on the advantages of electronic payment, as a potent
precautionary measure, which targeted propagating the use of POS and QR Code by
vendors, workers and customers as a simple and convenient channel facilitating
electronic transactions. This came within the framework of the state’s plan to
limit dependence on cash and encourage the use of electronic payments and
digital means, in support of social distancing and preventing crowding.
FEB had also proposed to the Central Bank of Egypt suggested
business hours for banks – in light of the COVID-19 crisis – and measures for
assisting workers of the banking sector, owing to the risks posed to them on a
daily basis. FEB also coordinated with both CBE and the Ministry of Health the
allocation of beds for banking sector workers in need, in addition to encouraging
banks to activate their digital platforms and compile informative D2 movies for
introducing electronic channels that may be used by customers in communicating
and completing their banking transactions, without the need to physically visit
bank branches.
FEB has consistently worked towards providing the best possible
channels of communication to actively support collaboration in the midst of
this crisis, by partnering with the government and various civil society
institutions. This is with the objective of strengthening state efforts
attempting to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, while also being in line
with the values and strategies adopted by Egyptian banks, which reflect the
constant commitment to achieving sustainable development and prosperity for
Egypt.