Egypt expects private investments to take the lead in driving economic growth this year, Minister of Planning Hala El Saeed said, suggesting that investor confidence had rallied enough to supplant what has so far been an overwhelming reliance on government spending. Private investments are expected to contribute 60% of economic growth in the current fiscal year, compared to 48% last year, El Saeed said in an interview in Cairo. The figure is expected to rise to between 62% and 65% in the coming fiscal year, she said. In a region riddled with political strife, Egypt represents a “safe haven,” she said, adding that “the economy is responding well to the government’s reform plan.” The economy grew by 5.2% in Jul-Sep, with investments, rather than consumption, driving the growth.