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Visiting US Delegation September, 2004

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Egypt) hosted its fifth US Delegation during the week of September 18-September 24, 2004. The group consisted of Congressional staffers, in addition to members of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS is part of the Library of Congress, and prepares its reports for the U.S. Congress, containing non-partisan information important to foreign policy decisions.

The delegation visited with a number of Egyptian government officials, including Dr. Osama El Baz, Political Advisor to the President; Dr. Mostafa El Fekky, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee in the People’s Assembly; Dr. Mahmoud Mohi El Din, Minister of Investment; and Eng. Rachid M. Rachid, Minister of Foreign Trade & Industry.

Dr. El Baz stressed that while “reform is a necessary and continuous process, the final vision for reform should come from the people.” He also highlighted Egypt’s efforts in its own struggle against terrorism during the 90s. Dr. El Fekky, on the other hand, detailed Egypt’s positions on four main files: the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, the Iraq situation, the deteriorating conditions in Darfur, and regional reform. Both Meetings gave an excellent overview of Egypt’s stance on foreign policy issues. The delegates were also hosted by Ambassador Shadia Farag at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during an informal lunch were issues about Arab-American relations and the image of Islam in the West were aired out.

The delegates were pleased to meet with two members of the new Cabinet, which they had heard so much about. Dr. Mohi El Din was very forthcoming about his plans for privatization of public sector assets, detailing debts and revenues. He discussed incorporating investment banking methods in running his Ministry, in addition to introducing corporate governance to companies. Minister Rachid said Egypt was very serious about global integration, and taking the necessary steps that would expedite this process.

Additionally, the delegation got the opportunity to attend some sessions of the National
Democratic Party’s (NDP) Conference, which took place from September 21-23. The delegates, amongst other foreign delegations, were invited to attend an interactive reception with leading members of the NDP, including Mr. Gamal Mubarak, Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali, Dr. Hossam Badrawi, and Mr. Mohamed Kamal. During the session, delegates were encouraged to ask any questions pertaining to Egypt’s future, its economic policy, its stance on reform, and its role in the region.

Representatives of the Ministry of Defense also met with the delegation. The meeting was very constructive, and detailed the military cooperation between Egypt and the US. The Egyptian side reiterated the importance of US military aid to Egypt, stressing the need to maintain the level of assistance as it is in the future.

A meeting was also arranged with Mr. Rodney Eichler - Executive Vice President of Apache Corporation & General Manager of Apache, Egypt Region - during a visit to Apahce’s headquarters. Mr. Eichler discussed the future of oil and gas exploration in Egypt, the structural makeup of Apache and the size of its investments in the country.

A visit was to the Abbasia Court in Cairo to view the implementation of USAID’s Administration of Justice Support Project at a pilot court took place during the trip. Delegates also visited the National Center for Judicial Studies, adjacent to the Court. USAID support includes judicial exchanges, strengthening the administration of training programs, and training for career-long judicial education. At the court, computerized case initiation and a registration network had been institutionalized.

Cultural visits included a trip to the Egyptian Museum and attending the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza. The delegates also enjoyed a two hour Nile Cruise, sponsored by the Ministry of Defense.

At the end of the week, AmCham Egypt hosted a breakfast in honor of the delegation including visiting think tankers from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Brookings Institution, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Institute for Middle East Peace & Development, and Georgetown University. Dr. Ziad Bahaa Eldin, recently appointed as Chairman of the General Authority for Investment & Free Zones (GAFI), also attended the meeting as a special guest and was invited to speak on his plans for GAFI. The breakfast meeting provided an opportunity for valuable interaction between the delegates and AmCham Egypt members.

The delegates rated the time they spent in Egypt as extremely educational and enlightening. They thanked AmCham Egypt for its hospitality, and expressed their gratitude for the meetings. Most importantly, the visit reaffirmed delegates’ and AmCham’s belief in the importance of bilateral dialogue between Egypt and the US, and continued cooperation between the two countries.

This trip was made possible in kind by the contributions of:

• Marriott Hotel Cairo General Manager Ulrich Huth
• American Express Egypt Country Manager Travel Roland Bunge

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