Universityof Arizona Egypt Orientation Session

University of University of Arizona Egypt Arizona Egypt Orientation Orientation

SessionSessionJanuary 28, 2004January 28, 2004

US Team visit to Egypt:US Team visit to Egypt:

Mr. Bruce Nasby, Mr. Bruce Nasby, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT GLOBAL SIFEGLOBAL SIFE

Mrs. Marcia Helaine Klipsch, Mrs. Marcia Helaine Klipsch, FACULTYFACULTY

Mr. Richard KlipschMr. Richard Klipsch

STUDENTS:STUDENTS: Ms. Amanda Wright Zaluga Ms. Amanda Wright Zaluga Ms. Amanda Elizabeth Davis Ms. Amanda Elizabeth Davis Mr. James Edward Tang-MillsMr. James Edward Tang-Mills Mr. Juan Ciscomani GarciaMr. Juan Ciscomani Garcia

EGYPTEGYPT

My homeland, my homeland, my hallowed land,Only to you, is my due hearty love at command,My homeland, my homeland, my hallowed land,Only to you is my due hearty love at command,Mother of the great ancient land,My sacred wish and holy demand,All should love, awe and cherish thee,Gracious is thy Nile to humanity,No evil hand can harm or do you wrong,So long as your free sons are strong,My homeland, my homeland, my hallowed land,Only to you, is my due hearty love at command.

Source: http://www.sis.gov.eg/anthem/html/anthem.htm

To listen to the National Anthem, follow the link below:

GeographyGeographyLocation: Northeast corner of Africa on the Mediterranean

Sea

Source: http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/africa.html

GeographyGeographyLocation: Northeast corner of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea

Neighbors: West Libya, South the Sudan, East the Red Sea and Israel.

Size: One and one-half times Texas.

Egypt is divided into two unequal, extremely arid regions by the northward-flowing Nile River (100 mi).

Source: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107484.html

University of Arizona University of Arizona Egypt Orientation SessionEgypt Orientation Session

January 28, 2004January 28, 2004A broad and general understanding of Egypt : A broad and general understanding of Egypt :

Background information,Background information, Government and politics, Government and politics, Economic progress and development efforts over the Economic progress and development efforts over the

last decade,last decade, Current economic situations, Current economic situations, University conditions, University conditions, National development priorities of the government, National development priorities of the government, Graduate employment situation and the job market,Graduate employment situation and the job market, Ease of entrepreneurship development and small Ease of entrepreneurship development and small

business support, business support, U.S.-Egypt relations and general perceptions of U.S.-Egypt relations and general perceptions of

attitude towards Americans in-country and why.attitude towards Americans in-country and why.

Background InformationBackground Information Arab Republic of EgyptArab Republic of Egypt

President:President: Hosni Mubarak (1981) Hosni Mubarak (1981)

Prime Minister:Prime Minister: Atef Ebeid (1999) Atef Ebeid (1999)

Area:Area: 386,660 sq mi (1,001,450 sq km) 386,660 sq mi (1,001,450 sq km)

Population (2003 est.):Population (2003 est.): 74,718,797 (growth rate: 1.9%); birth 74,718,797 (growth rate: 1.9%); birth rate: 24.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 35.3/1000; density per sq mi: rate: 24.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 35.3/1000; density per sq mi: 193193

Capital (2003 est.):Capital (2003 est.): Cairo, 15,892,400 (metro.area), 7,937,700 (city proper)Cairo, 15,892,400 (metro.area), 7,937,700 (city proper)

Other large cities:Other large cities: Alexandria, 3,891,000; Giza, 2,597,600 (part of Alexandria, 3,891,000; Giza, 2,597,600 (part of Cairo metro. area); Shubra el Khema, 1,018,000 (part of Cairo Cairo metro. area); Shubra el Khema, 1,018,000 (part of Cairo metro. area); El Mahalla el Kubra, 462,300metro. area); El Mahalla el Kubra, 462,300


Background InformationBackground Information Monetary unit:Monetary unit: Egyptian pound Egyptian pound

Language:Language: Arabic Arabic

Ethnicity/race:Ethnicity/race: Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%

Religions:Religions: Islam 94%, Christian (mostly Coptic) 6% Islam 94%, Christian (mostly Coptic) 6%

Literacy rate:Literacy rate: 51.4% (1995 est.) 51.4% (1995 est.)


For more information, click on the links below:Land , People , Economy , Government , History .

Background InformationBackground Information Stay tuned:Stay tuned:

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/ : Government newspaper : Government newspaper http://http://www.egyptdaily.comwww.egyptdaily.com// : Daily information and : Daily information and

local weather forecastlocal weather forecast http://usembassy.egnet.net/http://usembassy.egnet.net/ : American Embassy in : American Embassy in

Egypt, Arabic news summaryEgypt, Arabic news summary http://www.egypttoday.com/http://www.egypttoday.com/: The magazine of Egypt : The magazine of Egypt

(wonders of Egypt)(wonders of Egypt)

Get more information:Get more information:

Egypt State Information Service: Egypt State Information Service: http://www.sis.gov.eghttp://www.sis.gov.eg

Get to know the country and its culture with Get to know the country and its culture with audio and video files to download,audio and video files to download,

Get the TV news live,Get the TV news live, SIS search Engine.SIS search Engine.

Background InformationBackground Information Get more information:Get more information:

Middle East Network Information Center, University of Middle East Network Information Center, University of Texas: Texas: http://http://menic.utexas.edu/menic/Countries_and_Regions/Egyptmenic.utexas.edu/menic/Countries_and_Regions/Egypt// Arts and HumanitiesArts and Humanities , , EconomyEconomy, , EducationEducation, , EgyptologyEgyptology, , GovernmentGovernment, , Health and MedicineHealth and Medicine, , MapsMaps, , News and MediaNews and Media, , Science and TechnologyScience and Technology, , Social ScienceSocial Science, , Society and CultureSociety and Culture..

The Library of Congress: Egypt, a country study:The Library of Congress: Egypt, a country study:http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/egtoc.htmlhttp://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/egtoc.htmlThe Historical Setting, the Society and its Environment, The Historical Setting, the Society and its Environment, the Economy, Government and Politics, National the Economy, Government and Politics, National Security (warning: research completed in 1990, some Security (warning: research completed in 1990, some information need to be updated).information need to be updated).

The CIA, the World Fact Book:The CIA, the World Fact Book:http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/eg.htmlhttp://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/eg.html

Introduction, Geography, People, Government, Economy, ComIntroduction, Geography, People, Government, Economy, Communications, Transportation, munications, Transportation, Military, Transnational Military, Transnational Issues.Issues.

Background InformationBackground Information Get more information:Get more information:

Egypt Search Engine:Egypt Search Engine:General information, Art, Education, etc.General information, Art, Education, etc.

Mazika:Mazika:http://www.mazika.comhttp://www.mazika.comGet to know the local music.Get to know the local music.


January 28, 2004January 28, 2004A broad and general understanding of Egypt : A broad and general understanding of Egypt :




attitude towards Americans in-country and why.attitude towards Americans in-country and why.

Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics Country name:Country name:

Conventional long form:Conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt Arab Republic of Egypt Conventional short form:Conventional short form: Egypt Egypt

Government type: RGovernment type: Republic epublic

Administrative divisions:Administrative divisions: 26 governorates 26 governorates

Independence: Independence: Egyptian nationalism forced Britain to declare Egyptian nationalism forced Britain to declare Egypt an independent sovereign state on Feb. 28, 1922, although Egypt an independent sovereign state on Feb. 28, 1922, although the British reserved rights for the protection of the Suez Canal the British reserved rights for the protection of the Suez Canal and the defense of Egypt.and the defense of Egypt.

Constitution: Constitution: 11 September 1971 11 September 1971

Legal system: BLegal system: Based on English common law, Islamic law, and ased on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations. compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations.

Suffrage: Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Source: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/eg.html

Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics Executive branch: Executive branch:

Chief of state:Chief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 October 1981) (since 14 October 1981)

Head of government:Head of government: Prime Minister Atef Mohammed Prime Minister Atef Mohammed ABEID (since 5 October 1999)ABEID (since 5 October 1999)

Cabinet:Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president Cabinet appointed by the president

Elections:Elections: president nominated by the People's Assembly president nominated by the People's Assembly for a six-year term, the nomination must then be validated for a six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national, popular referendum, by a national, popular referendum,

National referendum last held 26 September 1999 (next National referendum last held 26 September 1999 (next to be held NA October 2005); to be held NA October 2005);

Prime minister appointed by the president .Prime minister appointed by the president .

Election results:Election results: national referendum validated President national referendum validated President MUBARAK's nomination by the People's Assembly to a MUBARAK's nomination by the People's Assembly to a fourth term.fourth term.

Source: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/eg.html

Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics Legislative branch:Legislative branch:

Bicameral system: Bicameral system: The People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454 The People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454

seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year by the president; members serve five-year terms), terms),

The Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which The Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve NA-year terms). the president; members serve NA-year terms).

Elections:Elections: People's Assembly - three-phase voting People's Assembly - three-phase voting last held 19 October, 29 October, 8 November last held 19 October, 29 October, 8 November

2000 (next to be held November 2005); 2000 (next to be held November 2005); Advisory Council - last held 7 June 1995. Advisory Council - last held 7 June 1995.


Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics Legislative branch:Legislative branch:

Election results:Election results: People's Assembly - percent of People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NDP 88%, independents 8%, vote by party - NDP 88%, independents 8%, opposition 4%; seats by party - NDP 398, NWP 7, opposition 4%; seats by party - NDP 398, NWP 7, Tagammu 6, Nasserists 2, LSP 1, independents 38, Tagammu 6, Nasserists 2, LSP 1, independents 38, undecided 2; undecided 2;

Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NDP 99%, independents 1%; seats by party - NANDP 99%, independents 1%; seats by party - NA

Judicial branch: Judicial branch: Supreme Constitutional Court Supreme Constitutional Court


Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics Political parties and leaders:Political parties and leaders:

Nasserist Arab Democratic Party or Nasserists Nasserist Arab Democratic Party or Nasserists [Dia' al-din DAWUD]; [Dia' al-din DAWUD];

National Democratic Party or NDP [President National Democratic Party or NDP [President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK] - governing party; Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK] - governing party;

National Progressive Unionist Grouping or National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu [Khalid MUHI AL-DIN]; Tagammu [Khalid MUHI AL-DIN];

New Wafd Party or NWP [No'man GOMA]; New Wafd Party or NWP [No'man GOMA]; Socialist Liberal Party or LSP [leader NA] Socialist Liberal Party or LSP [leader NA]

Note:Note: Formation of political parties must be Formation of political parties must be approved by the government. approved by the government.


Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics

Political pressure groups and leaders: Political pressure groups and leaders:

Most significant political opposition: Muslim Most significant political opposition: Muslim Brotherhood; Brotherhood;

Constitutional ban against religious-based Constitutional ban against religious-based parties,parties,

MUBARAK tolerated limited political activity by MUBARAK tolerated limited political activity by the Brotherhood for his first two terms, the Brotherhood for his first two terms,

MUBARAK moved more aggressively since then MUBARAK moved more aggressively since then to block its influence, to block its influence,

Civic society groups are sanctioned, but Civic society groups are sanctioned, but constrained in practical terms; constrained in practical terms;

Trade unions and professional associations are Trade unions and professional associations are officially sanctioned.officially sanctioned.



January 28, 2004January 28, 2004A broad and general understanding of Egypt: A broad and general understanding of Egypt:




attitude towards Americans in-country and why. attitude towards Americans in-country and why.

Economic Evolution over Economic Evolution over last decadelast decade

Macroeconomic performance improvedMacroeconomic performance improved by following IMF by following IMF advice on fiscal, monetary, and structural reform policies. advice on fiscal, monetary, and structural reform policies.

Results:Results: Controlled inflation, lower budget deficits, and more Controlled inflation, lower budget deficits, and more

foreign investment.foreign investment.

BUT, in the past four years: BUT, in the past four years: Less reforms + excessive spending on national Less reforms + excessive spending on national

infrastructure projects = infrastructure projects = increase budget deficitsincrease budget deficits. .

Lower foreign exchange earnings since 1998 = Lower foreign exchange earnings since 1998 = pressure pressure on the Egyptian poundon the Egyptian pound + + periodic dollar shortages. periodic dollar shortages.


Economic Evolution over Economic Evolution over last decadelast decade

Monetary pressures have increased since 11 September Monetary pressures have increased since 11 September 2001 (declines in tourism + Suez Canal tolls) = Egypt has 2001 (declines in tourism + Suez Canal tolls) = Egypt has devalued the pound several times in the past yeardevalued the pound several times in the past year. .

Future: The development of a Future: The development of a gas export marketgas export market is a major is a major bright spot for future growth prospects. bright spot for future growth prospects.

In the short term, regional In the short term, regional tensions will continuetensions will continue to affect to affect tourism and hold back prospects for economic expansion. tourism and hold back prospects for economic expansion.


Current Economic Current Economic SituationSituation

GDPGDP purchasing power parity - $289.8 billion (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $289.8 billion (2002 est.) real growth rate:real growth rate: 3.2% (2002 est.) 3.2% (2002 est.) per capita:per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,000 (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $4,000 (2002 est.) composition by sector:composition by sector:

agriculture:agriculture: 17% 17% industry:industry: 34% 34% services:services: 49% (2001) 49% (2001)

Population below poverty line:Population below poverty line: 22.9% (FY 95/96 est.) 22.9% (FY 95/96 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.3% (2002 est.) 4.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:Labor force: 20.6 million (2001 est.) 20.6 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 29%, industry agriculture 29%, industry 22%, services 49% (2000 est.) 22%, services 49% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:Unemployment rate: 12% (2001 est.) 12% (2001 est.)


Current Economic Current Economic SituationSituation Budget:Budget:

revenues:revenues: $21.5 billion $21.5 billion expenditures:expenditures: $26.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.9 billion (2001) $26.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.9 billion (2001)

Industries:Industries: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons, construction, textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals cement, metals

Industrial production growth rate:Industrial production growth rate: 2.2% (2002 est.) 2.2% (2002 est.)

Production Production 20012001

ConsumptiConsumption 2001on 2001

Exports Exports

20012001ImportsImports

20012001Proved Proved

ReservesReserves

OilOil 816,900 816,900 bbl/daybbl/day

562,000 562,000 bbl/daybbl/day

NANA NANA 3.308 billion 3.308 billion bblbbl

Natural Natural gasgas

21.2 billion 21.2 billion cu mcu m

21.2 billion 21.2 billion cu mcu m

0 cu m0 cu m 0 cu m0 cu m 1.264 trillion 1.264 trillion cu mcu m



Agriculture - products:Agriculture - products: cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats

Exports:Exports: $7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.) $7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:Exports - commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals

Exports - partners:Exports - partners: US 18.3%, Italy 13.7%, UK 8.4% (2002) US 18.3%, Italy 13.7%, UK 8.4% (2002)

Imports:Imports: $15.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.) $15.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels chemicals, wood products, fuels

Imports - partners:Imports - partners: US 16.9%, Germany 7.9%, Italy 6.7%, US 16.9%, Germany 7.9%, Italy 6.7%, France 6.5%, China 5%, UK 4.1% (2002) France 6.5%, China 5%, UK 4.1% (2002)



Debt - external:Debt - external: $30.5 billion (2002 est.) $30.5 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:Economic aid - recipient: ODA, $2.25 billion (1999) ODA, $2.25 billion (1999)

Currency:Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP) Egyptian pound (EGP)

Exchange rates:Exchange rates: Egyptian pounds per US dollar – 7.0 Egyptian pounds per US dollar – 7.0 (2004 projection), 6.2 (2003), 4.5 (2002), 3.97 (2001), 3.47 (2004 projection), 6.2 (2003), 4.5 (2002), 3.97 (2001), 3.47 (2000), 3.4 (1999), 3.39 (1998), 0.34 (1966). (2000), 3.4 (1999), 3.39 (1998), 0.34 (1966).


Current Economic Current Economic SituationSituationDOMESTIC ECONOMY National Accounts Egyptian fiscal year ( July-

June) US$ billions unless stated otherwise FY99/00 FY00/01

FY01/02 FY02/03*GDP (current prices, LE billion) 340 359 382 405 GDP (current prices, US$ billion) 98.7 93.3 88.1 78.7 GDP real growth rate (%) 5.9 3.4 3.2 2.5 GDP/Capita US$ 1420 1530 1470 NA Government Spending/GDP (%) 30.0 30.1 29.9 31.5 Consolidated Fiscal deficit/GDP 1.20 2.23 2.50 2.90 Inflation (%) 2.8 2.4 2.4 4.0 Wholesale Price Index (%, June of each year) 1.6 1.3 3.5

18.5** Unemployment (%) 9.0 9.2 9.0 9.9

Foreign Exchange Reserves 15.130 14.24 14.147 14.809

Reserves/months of imports 10.2 10.4 11.6 12

Avg. Exch. Rate for LE/$ 3.446 3.850 4.338 5.149 End of Period Exch. Rate (June of each year) 3.446 3.860 4.510

6.154 Debt service ratio (%)+ 8.0 7.4 9.3 9.8 Total Foreign Debt/GDP 28.2 28.5 32.6 35.7++ U.S. assistance (U.S. Fiscal Year) 2.035 1.995 1.955 1.915 Military 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3Economic 0.735 0.695 0.655 0.615

*Preliminary figures for FY 2002/2003 unless stated otherwise. ** As of May 2003 + Debt Service is ratio of external debt service to current account receipts. ++ As of March 2003

Sources: Egyptian government, IMF, World Bank, & Embassy estimates based on those sources


Key Sectoral Statistics 1999 2000 2001 2002 Tourism* Revenues (USD million) 3904 4345 3800 3764 Total Arrivals (millions) 4.797 5.506 4.648 5.192

Energy and Petroleum ** Oil (crude) (avg. thous. barrels/day) 852 710 639 631 Gas (bill. cubic feet/day) 1.4 1.7 2.4 2.6 Electricity (mill, MKH, fiscal years) 67.9 72.9 75.6 83.0

Construction*** (million tons) Cement (local sales +exports-imports) 23.1 24.1 25.7 28.1Steel (production, rebars) 4.053 3.169 3.472 3.483

Agriculture****(million metric tons) Wheat 6.40 6.40 6.20 6.15 Rice (milled) 3.7 3.9 3.6 3.7 Sugar 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.4 Cotton (thousand metric tons) 233 200 310 315

* Ministry of Foreign Trade ** Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Foreign Trade (Elect. figures for fiscal years) *** EFG-Hermes, Ezz Steel **** US Dept. of Agriculture, cotton is marketing year: Aug.-Sep.


TRADE AND INVESTMENT USCalendar year US$ millions

1999 2000 2001 2002 U.S. Exports to Egypt 3000.8 3333.9 3564.4 2866.2 U.S. Imports from Egypt 617.6 887.7 882 1351.9*

US Trade Balance with Egypt 2383.2 2446.2 2682.4 1514.3 U.S. FDI (stock) 2210 1998 2537 2959

* Includes temporary import of Egyptian antiquities museum touring exhibition, valued at $445 million. urce: U.S. Department of Commerce.


January 28, 2004January 28, 2004A broad and general understanding of Egypt prior to A broad and general understanding of Egypt prior to

their trip touching on each of the following: their trip touching on each of the following:





University Conditions University Conditions Cairo UniversityCairo University : http://www.cu.edu.eg/ : http://www.cu.edu.eg/

Cairo University Cairo University has successfully been undertaking its has successfully been undertaking its mission of delivering education, research and cultural duties mission of delivering education, research and cultural duties over the years. It is considered as the mother university over the years. It is considered as the mother university among other younger universities in Egypt among other younger universities in Egypt

Cairo University Cairo University is also offering its education and research is also offering its education and research facilities to Arab and foreign students and scientists and has facilities to Arab and foreign students and scientists and has become well known world wide. become well known world wide.

Cairo University Cairo University has 100 scientific Research Centers and has 100 scientific Research Centers and units of Private Character. There are also a hospital for the units of Private Character. There are also a hospital for the students, a printing press, a central library as well as students, a printing press, a central library as well as libraries for the faculties. libraries for the faculties.

Currently, Currently, Cairo University Cairo University includes 23 Faculties and includes 23 Faculties and Institutes serving about 155,000 students with 3,158 faculty Institutes serving about 155,000 students with 3,158 faculty members, 2,361 assistant lecturers & demonstrators and members, 2,361 assistant lecturers & demonstrators and 12,233 employees. 12,233 employees.

Source: http://www.egyptsearch.com/search/search.cgi?

cat=Education:Universities

University Conditions University Conditions

Ain Shams University: http://net.shams.edu.eg/ Ain Shams University: http://net.shams.edu.eg/

Ain Shams University, as the third Egyptian university, Ain Shams University, as the third Egyptian university, was founded in July 1950 under the name of "Ibrahim was founded in July 1950 under the name of "Ibrahim Pasha University". Pasha University".

When it was first established, Ain Shams University When it was first established, Ain Shams University comprised a number of distinguished faculties and comprised a number of distinguished faculties and academic institutes, which were later developed into academic institutes, which were later developed into university. university.

The university includes 14 faculties and 3 high The university includes 14 faculties and 3 high institutes.institutes.

Source: http://www.egyptsearch.com/search/search.cgi?

cat=Education:Universities

University Conditions University Conditions Other Egyptian Universities:Other Egyptian Universities:

AinAin Shams University Shams University AINSHAMS UNIVERSITY -FACULTY OF ENGINEERIAINSHAMS UNIVERSITY -FACULTY OF ENGINEERINGNG American University in CairoAmerican University in Cairo AssiutAssiut University University Cairo University Information PageCairo University Information Page City University - EgyptCity University - Egypt City University Computer Science DepartmentCity University Computer Science Department Egyptian Universities NetworkEgyptian Universities Network MansouraMansoura University University misrmisr university for science and technology university for science and technology Sheffield Sheffield HallamHallam University University SunSITESunSITE Egypt Egypt The Arab Academy for Science and TechnologyThe Arab Academy for Science and Technology

Source: http://www.egyptsearch.com/search/search.cgi?cat=

Education:Universities

National Development National Development Priorities Priorities

of the Governmentof the Government KEY ECONOMIC TRENDS AND ISSUES

Macroeconomic Fiscal Developments Monetary Developments Privatization Balance of Payments Direction and composition of trade Impact of the War in Iraq

MAJOR LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS

Source: http://usembassy.egnet.net/etr2003.pdf

KEY ECONOMIC TRENDS AND KEY ECONOMIC TRENDS AND ISSUESISSUES

Macroeconomic OutlookMacroeconomic Outlook: :

Egypt's economic performance and reform program in Egypt's economic performance and reform program in the 1990's gained plaudits from international observers the 1990's gained plaudits from international observers for for increasing growth while sharply reducing inflation increasing growth while sharply reducing inflation and the budget deficitand the budget deficit. .

The combination of external shocks in The combination of external shocks in 1997-98 1997-98 (terrorist attacks, oil price collapse, Southeast Asian (terrorist attacks, oil price collapse, Southeast Asian economic crisis) and 2001economic crisis) and 2001 (September 11) with a (September 11) with a slowdown in reform effortsslowdown in reform efforts has reduced growth sharply has reduced growth sharply since 1999. since 1999.


Macroeconomic OutlookMacroeconomic Outlook: :

Real growthReal growth for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 (FY 2001/2002, or 01/02) at (FY 2001/2002, or 01/02) at 3.2%3.2% and estimated growth and estimated growth for FY 02/03, which ended June 30, 2003 at for FY 02/03, which ended June 30, 2003 at 2.5%.2.5%.

With annual population growth at around 2%, that With annual population growth at around 2%, that would put would put real GDP per capita growth at under real GDP per capita growth at under 1%.1%.

InflationInflation estimated at estimated at 2.4 2.4 % for FY 01/02 and a slightly % for FY 01/02 and a slightly higher higher 3.9%3.9% over the 12 months from May 2002 to May over the 12 months from May 2002 to May 2003. 2003.

Foreign debtForeign debt increased slightlyincreased slightly in 2001 and early 2002 in 2001 and early 2002 as a result of the Egyptian government's floating of a as a result of the Egyptian government's floating of a $1.5 billion Eurobond offering and other borrowing, but $1.5 billion Eurobond offering and other borrowing, but remains comfortable at under $30 billion, or roughly remains comfortable at under $30 billion, or roughly one third of GDP. one third of GDP.


Fiscal DevelopmentsFiscal Developments: :

The growing size of the budget deficit is The growing size of the budget deficit is one of the one of the biggest challengesbiggest challenges facing the government and a potential facing the government and a potential threat to economic recovery. threat to economic recovery.

In 2002, the government revised its budgetary accounts to In 2002, the government revised its budgetary accounts to show three increasingly broad measures of the budget show three increasingly broad measures of the budget and deficits: and deficits:

A narrow budget that includes A narrow budget that includes only line government agencies only line government agencies and programsand programs; ;

A broader definition that includes A broader definition that includes transfers to or from transfers to or from independent state-owned agenciesindependent state-owned agencies, ,

A third definition that also includes the A third definition that also includes the social insurance social insurance fundsfunds (social security), currently in surplus because of (social security), currently in surplus because of Egypt's growing working-age populationEgypt's growing working-age population. .


Monetary DevelopmentsMonetary Developments: :

The Government has been The Government has been seeking a new monetary and seeking a new monetary and foreign exchangeforeign exchange policypolicy since it abandoned in mid-2000 since it abandoned in mid-2000 its fixed peg of LE 3.4/$, in place since the early 1990s. its fixed peg of LE 3.4/$, in place since the early 1990s.

The peg had been The peg had been successful in reducing inflation to successful in reducing inflation to low single digitslow single digits, but proved , but proved untenable in the late 1990suntenable in the late 1990s as the pound became overvalued by at least 35% and as the pound became overvalued by at least 35% and Egypt's balance of payments position deteriorated. Egypt's balance of payments position deteriorated.


PrivatizationPrivatization: :

The slowdown in the Egyptian privatization programThe slowdown in the Egyptian privatization program, , evident since mid-2000, has been a source of concern for evident since mid-2000, has been a source of concern for international rating agencies, that consider the pace an international rating agencies, that consider the pace an indicator of the government’s willingness to move indicator of the government’s willingness to move forward on economic reform. forward on economic reform.

Senior officials, including the Prime Minister and Minister Senior officials, including the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Enterprise, continue to of Public Enterprise, continue to emphasize Egypt’s emphasize Egypt’s commitment to the programcommitment to the program. .

The Ministry of Public Enterprise (MPE) announced in The Ministry of Public Enterprise (MPE) announced in late 2002 an late 2002 an effort to gradually privatize some state-effort to gradually privatize some state-owned enterprisesowned enterprises by participation of private investors in by participation of private investors in capital increases for the companies. capital increases for the companies.


Balance of Payments: Balance of Payments: Egypt's Balance of Payments (BOP) has continued to Egypt's Balance of Payments (BOP) has continued to

improve over the past yearimprove over the past year. . The overall BOP deficit of The overall BOP deficit of $447 million in FY 01/02$447 million in FY 01/02 was was

smaller than FY 00/01's deficit of $871 million which we smaller than FY 00/01's deficit of $871 million which we had reported as the had reported as the best in several yearsbest in several years. .

Direction and composition of trade: Direction and composition of trade: The European Union (EU) as a bloc remains Egypt's The European Union (EU) as a bloc remains Egypt's

largest trading partnerlargest trading partner, typically accounting for around , typically accounting for around 35-40%35-40% of imports and exports. of imports and exports.

When implemented, When implemented, Egypt’s Partnership Agreement with Egypt’s Partnership Agreement with the EUthe EU could result in a significantly could result in a significantly larger volume of larger volume of tradetrade. .

The U.S. comes nextThe U.S. comes next (and is Egypt's largest trading (and is Egypt's largest trading partner as a country), accounting for around partner as a country), accounting for around 20% of 20% of imports and 10-15% of exportsimports and 10-15% of exports. .

Asian countriesAsian countries account for around 25% of both imports account for around 25% of both imports and exports. and exports.


Direction and composition of trade: Direction and composition of trade:

Asian countriesAsian countries account for around 25% of both imports account for around 25% of both imports and exports. and exports.

Countries in the Countries in the Middle EastMiddle East take 13% of exports and take 13% of exports and account for about 6% of imports, while Africa, Latin account for about 6% of imports, while Africa, Latin America and Australia account for less than 5% each of America and Australia account for less than 5% each of imports and exports. imports and exports.

Egypt's leading merchandise export is Egypt's leading merchandise export is crude oil and crude oil and petroleum productspetroleum products ($2.2 billion in 2002), followed by ($2.2 billion in 2002), followed by finished goodsfinished goods (chiefly textiles and apparel), and (chiefly textiles and apparel), and raw raw materialsmaterials (cotton and other agricultural products). (cotton and other agricultural products).

Chief U.S. exports to Egypt include Chief U.S. exports to Egypt include agricultural agricultural commoditiescommodities (usually around $1 billion annually), capital (usually around $1 billion annually), capital goods, and equipment. goods, and equipment.

The The value of U.S. exports shrank over the last two yearsvalue of U.S. exports shrank over the last two years, , from nearly $3.8 billion in 2001 to under $2.9 billion in from nearly $3.8 billion in 2001 to under $2.9 billion in 2002, largely in line with the drop in overall Egyptian 2002, largely in line with the drop in overall Egyptian imports. imports.


Impact of the War in Iraq: Impact of the War in Iraq:

The Egyptian government, private sector forecasters, and The Egyptian government, private sector forecasters, and we expected the war in Iraq to have a we expected the war in Iraq to have a major negative major negative impact on Egypt's economyimpact on Egypt's economy. .

Estimates of that impact ranged from Estimates of that impact ranged from $2 billion to as high $2 billion to as high as $10 billionas $10 billion. .

The impact was expected to fall most The impact was expected to fall most heavily on tourismheavily on tourism (predictions of $1-3 billion in losses). (predictions of $1-3 billion in losses).

In fact, largely because major combat operations in Iraq In fact, largely because major combat operations in Iraq ended so quickly, ended so quickly, the impact in all these areas was much the impact in all these areas was much less than expectedless than expected. .

Suez Canal revenues actually rose significantlySuez Canal revenues actually rose significantly and and tourism recovered very quicklytourism recovered very quickly after a sharp dip in March after a sharp dip in March 2003. 2003.

War risk premiums were never imposed.War risk premiums were never imposed.

MAJOR LEGISLATIVE MAJOR LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS DEVELOPMENTS

Egypt's parliament, the People's Assembly (PA), approved Egypt's parliament, the People's Assembly (PA), approved several key pieces of economic legislation in 2003.several key pieces of economic legislation in 2003.

New Banking Law: New Banking Law:

It enshrines the principle of a It enshrines the principle of a market-determined foreign market-determined foreign exchange rateexchange rate and defines the and defines the governmental and Central Bank governmental and Central Bank roles in monetary policyroles in monetary policy. .

Unified Labor Law: Unified Labor Law: Provides comprehensive Provides comprehensive guidelines for the recruitment, guidelines for the recruitment,

hiring, compensation, and termination of employeeshiring, compensation, and termination of employees in Egypt. in Egypt.

Telecom Law: Telecom Law: Expands the powers of the National Telecom Regulatory Expands the powers of the National Telecom Regulatory

Authority to issue Authority to issue licenses and permits, set standards for licenses and permits, set standards for equipment, determine tariffs, and mediate disputes between equipment, determine tariffs, and mediate disputes between telecom service providerstelecom service providers. Also, it . Also, it protects users rights, protects users rights, establishes a universal services fundestablishes a universal services fund, and provides for the , and provides for the disclosure of information to disclosure of information to promote transparencypromote transparency. .

National Development National Development Priorities Priorities

of the Governmentof the Government SECTORAL TRENDS AND PRINCIPAL GROWTH SECTORS Services Tourism Suez Canal Banking Capital Market Insurance Energy Manufacturing Agriculture Transportation and Infrastructure Information Technology and Telecommunications

ECONOMIC COOPERATION Regional Initiatives U.S.-Egypt Trade and Investment Framework Agreement

(TIFA) U.S. Economic Assistance U.S. Support for Trade and Investment

Source: http://usembassy.egnet.net/etr2003.pdf

SECTORAL TRENDS AND SECTORAL TRENDS AND PRINCIPAL GROWTH PRINCIPAL GROWTH

SECTORSSECTORS Services = 50% of Egypt's GDP (tourism and Suez Services = 50% of Egypt's GDP (tourism and Suez Canal) Canal)

Tourism: Tourism: Tourism is Egypt's largest foreign exchange earner, as well as a Tourism is Egypt's largest foreign exchange earner, as well as a

key engine of growth = key engine of growth = direct and indirect share of GDP is 11%.direct and indirect share of GDP is 11%. The tourism sector rebounded sharply from a steep decline after The tourism sector rebounded sharply from a steep decline after

the 1997 terrorist attack. the 1997 terrorist attack.

Suez Canal Suez Canal Revenues had been Revenues had been stagnant for the past several yearsstagnant for the past several years at at

around $1.8 billion annually because of increased global around $1.8 billion annually because of increased global reliance on other means of transportation (chiefly pipelines and reliance on other means of transportation (chiefly pipelines and air) for trade. Probably only part of the increase in revenues can air) for trade. Probably only part of the increase in revenues can be sustained through the next fiscal year. be sustained through the next fiscal year.

Banking: Banking: Positive events in the Egyptian banking sector Positive events in the Egyptian banking sector = = new management at the largest banks + efforts to improve new management at the largest banks + efforts to improve

supervision and capital adequacy + renewed talk of decreasing supervision and capital adequacy + renewed talk of decreasing government ownership in the sector + a new banking lawgovernment ownership in the sector + a new banking law

= likely to force a major consolidation of the sector= likely to force a major consolidation of the sector


SECTORSSECTORS Capital Market: Capital Market: The Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange (CASE) experienced a The Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange (CASE) experienced a

bull market in the first half of 2003 after a very quiet 2002, but bull market in the first half of 2003 after a very quiet 2002, but continued growth will hinge on regional stability and the pace of continued growth will hinge on regional stability and the pace of economic reform. economic reform.

Insurance: Insurance: Egypt insurance industry remains very small relative to other Egypt insurance industry remains very small relative to other

middle-income developing countries, with annual premiums middle-income developing countries, with annual premiums accounting for only about 1.1% of GDP. accounting for only about 1.1% of GDP.

Energy: Energy: The oil and gas sector officially accounts for around 7% of GDP. The oil and gas sector officially accounts for around 7% of GDP. Gas exploration, development, and production have been among Gas exploration, development, and production have been among

the brighter spots in the economy over the past three years. the brighter spots in the economy over the past three years. Oil production and exports still play an important role in the Oil production and exports still play an important role in the

Egyptian economy. Egyptian economy.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing: Egypt's manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 20% of Egypt's manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 20% of

GDP. Main sub-sectors include metallurgy, cement, fertilizers, GDP. Main sub-sectors include metallurgy, cement, fertilizers, textile/clothing, food processing, and other consumer goods. textile/clothing, food processing, and other consumer goods.


SECTORSSECTORS Transportation and InfrastructureTransportation and Infrastructure: :

Egypt Air, the country's airline company, had a tumultuous Egypt Air, the country's airline company, had a tumultuous year of personnel and structure changes. year of personnel and structure changes.

Reduced tourism, higher operating costsReduced tourism, higher operating costs in the wake of new in the wake of new post-September 11 security and insurance requirements, the post-September 11 security and insurance requirements, the war in Iraq, the pound's devaluation, and the global outbreak of war in Iraq, the pound's devaluation, and the global outbreak of the disease SARS all affected Egypt Air’s operations over the the disease SARS all affected Egypt Air’s operations over the past year. past year.

Information Technology and TelecommunicationsInformation Technology and Telecommunications: : The government has identified The government has identified development of the information development of the information

technology (IT) industry as a national prioritytechnology (IT) industry as a national priority, and the Egyptian , and the Egyptian Government and private sector are eager to engage with U.S. Government and private sector are eager to engage with U.S. firms in this area. Information technology (IT) in Egypt firms in this area. Information technology (IT) in Egypt continued to grow in 2003 despite the overall sluggish continued to grow in 2003 despite the overall sluggish economy. economy.

ECONOMIC ECONOMIC COOPERATIONCOOPERATION

Regional InitiativesRegional Initiatives: :

Association Agreement with the European UnionAssociation Agreement with the European Union: increased : increased access to the European market + 615 million Euros in access to the European market + 615 million Euros in project assistance grants + 1.1 billion Euros in loans from project assistance grants + 1.1 billion Euros in loans from the European Investment Bank to help modernize Egyptian the European Investment Bank to help modernize Egyptian industry.industry.

Member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern AfricaAfrica (COMESA) since mid-1998, and is committed to (COMESA) since mid-1998, and is committed to eliminating tariffs with COMESA members entirely by 2004. eliminating tariffs with COMESA members entirely by 2004.

Aghadir AgreementAghadir Agreement: : Goal = establish a free trade area with Tunisia, Morocco, and Goal = establish a free trade area with Tunisia, Morocco, and

Jordan. Jordan. U.S.-Egypt Trade and Investment Framework Agreement U.S.-Egypt Trade and Investment Framework Agreement

(TIFA(TIFA)): : Goal: facilitating the concrete measures to establish freer Goal: facilitating the concrete measures to establish freer

trade.trade. Work in Progress on: government procurement, customs Work in Progress on: government procurement, customs

reform and administration, sanitary/phytosanitary issues, and reform and administration, sanitary/phytosanitary issues, and agricultural trade. agricultural trade.

ECONOMIC ECONOMIC COOPERATIONCOOPERATION

U.S. Economic AssistanceU.S. Economic Assistance: : Over Over $25 billion in economic assistance since 1975$25 billion in economic assistance since 1975. . Results: the foundations for economic growth = Results: the foundations for economic growth =

infrastructure (water, wastewater, power, and infrastructure (water, wastewater, power, and telecommunications) + favorable economic policy telecommunications) + favorable economic policy environment for private sector developmentenvironment for private sector development. .

New areas of concentration: New areas of concentration: development of the development of the information technology sector, strengthening Egypt’s information technology sector, strengthening Egypt’s capacity for human resource development, trade policy capacity for human resource development, trade policy capacity building, financial sector reform, and continuing capacity building, financial sector reform, and continuing efforts to enhance Egypt’s business and export efforts to enhance Egypt’s business and export competitivenesscompetitiveness. .

U.S. Support for Trade and InvestmentU.S. Support for Trade and Investment: : The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the

U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) and the Trade and U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) and the Trade and Development Agency (TDA) are committed to Development Agency (TDA) are committed to supporting supporting the growth of U.S.-Egyptian bilateral trade and investmentthe growth of U.S.-Egyptian bilateral trade and investment. . These agencies provide These agencies provide loan and insurance products and loan and insurance products and servicesservices. .

Graduate Employment Graduate Employment and Job Marketand Job Market

Unemployment is officially estimated at 9.9% in FY 02/03, up from 9% in FY 01/02 and 9.2% in FY 00/01.

Other observers suggest the effective rate of unemployment is significantly higher.

Underemployment and reliance on the informal economy (often estimated at one third to one half the size of formal GDP) are also major features of Egypt's economy, as in most developing countries.

Government figures estimate that, out of a total work force of 20.2 million and total employment of 18.2 million, 6.9 million individuals are employed in the "irregular private sector," compared with only 5.1 million in the formal private sector, 5.3 million in the government, and 900,000 in state-owned enterprises.

Graduate Employment Graduate Employment and Job Marketand Job Market

Egyptian governmental and private estimates put the number of job seekers entering the labor market annually at 500,000-700,000.

Even during the high growth years of the 1990s, employment creation did not fully meet the demand for jobs.

The sluggish growth of recent years has widened the gap between the number of job seekers and available employment, particularly for the better educated.

Ease of EntrepreneurshipEase of Entrepreneurship Top websites:Top websites:

www.socialfundofegypt.orgwww.socialfundofegypt.org http://www.sfdegypt.org/index_e.asp http://www.sfdegypt.org/index_e.asp www.sedo.org www.sedo.org

US Agency for International Development (USAID):US Agency for International Development (USAID): http://usembassy.egnet.net/usaid.htmhttp://usembassy.egnet.net/usaid.htm

Investing in Egypt: Investing in Egypt: http://usembassy.egnet.net/Invest.htmhttp://usembassy.egnet.net/Invest.htm

Economic Trends Report - Egypt [PDF]Economic Trends Report - Egypt [PDF] Investment Climate Report - Egypt, July 2003 [PDF] Investment Climate Report - Egypt, July 2003 [PDF] Country Commercial Guides for EGYPT Country Commercial Guides for EGYPT Background Notes: Egypt Background Notes: Egypt U.S. Government SitesU.S. Government SitesEgyptian Government SitesEgyptian Government SitesSelective Economic Web sitesSelective Economic Web sitesNon-Governmental SitesNon-Governmental Sites

American Embassy: American Embassy: http://usembassy.egnet.net/http://usembassy.egnet.net/

US-Egypt relations and general US-Egypt relations and general perceptions of attitude perceptions of attitude

towards American in-country towards American in-country and why.and why.

POLITICAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE

Nature of Political Relationship with the United States:

“The United States and Egypt enjoy a strong and friendly relationship based on shared mutual interest in Middle East peace, stability and regional security, combating international terrorism, strengthening trade relations, and revitalizing the Egyptian economy. Multinational exercises, U.S. assistance to Egypt's military modernization program (valued at $1.3 billion annually), and Egypt's role as a contributor to various UN peacekeeping operations continually reinforce the U.S.-Egyptian military relationship. Egypt is our indispensable partner in the quest for regional peace, and it works closely with the U.S. to that end.”

Source:

http://usembassy.egnet.net/etr2003.pdf

Have A Good TripHave A Good Trip Weather:Weather:

Cairo has only two seasons: summer and 'not-Cairo has only two seasons: summer and 'not-summer‘, a period that stretches roughly from summer‘, a period that stretches roughly from September to April or May. September to April or May.

January and February (10-20°C/50-68°F) can be January and February (10-20°C/50-68°F) can be overcast with the occasional shower, but the overcast with the occasional shower, but the months immediately either side are comfortably months immediately either side are comfortably warm, with daytime temperatures leavened by warm, with daytime temperatures leavened by breezes. breezes.

Weather forecast: Weather forecast: http://http://www.egyptdaily.comwww.egyptdaily.com//

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/cairo/facts.htm

Have A Good TripHave A Good Trip Restaurants:Restaurants:

The Egyptian CuisineThe Egyptian Cuisine is Mediterranean is Mediterranean most like the Greek.. most like the Greek..

A wide variety of international fast food A wide variety of international fast food (Arby's, McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza (Arby's, McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza Hut) and theme restaurants (Planet Hut) and theme restaurants (Planet Hollywood, Chille's) operate in Cairo. Hollywood, Chille's) operate in Cairo.

Continental cuisine, American, and Continental cuisine, American, and Egyptian Cuisine are available. Egyptian Cuisine are available.

Some addresses:Some addresses:

Felfela Felfela RestaurantRestaurant

Fast FoodFast Food Coffee HousesCoffee Houses L`AubergineL`Aubergine

Cafe RicheCafe Riche Johnny Johnny Carino'sCarino's

Maison Maison ThomasThomas

Naguib Naguib MahfouzMahfouz

Source: http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/1ea6ae/2/

Universityof Arizona Egypt Orientation Session

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Transcript of Universityof Arizona Egypt Orientation Session