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Looking forward
I’d like to extend my gratitude and appreciation
to AmCham Egypt members for taking part in the recent elections,
as you did in unprecedented numbers.
I’ve had the honor of serving as AmCham vice
president, as well as on the board of governors, sharing in the
organization’s growth in some small way. As president, I hope
to do more, as well as to build on the accomplishments of my colleagues
and predecessors, who along with our excellent membership and management
have earned AmCham the prestige it enjoys at home and abroad.
Elections are a funny thing – stressful but
also rewarding. It’s not only the pride of being chosen for
a big job by your respected peers. There’s also a special excitement
that comes with the realization of responsibility to those who voted
for you, and the obligation to justify their confidence and support.
The campaign itself was a fruitful experience, not only because
of the outcome, but also because of the many new encounters I enjoyed
in the process, as well as the old friendships I had a chance to
revisit. Staying in close touch with members of the community is
one of the necessary and beneficial aspects of the democratic process
– but so is the sense of accountability that election confers.
As one of the founders of the Egyptian Center for
Economic Studies, this country’s first independent economic
think tank, I know the value of knowledge sharing, of compiling
real data and analysis, as well as the steps that must be taken
to instigate legislative reform. AmCham Egypt has many similar functions,
but important additional ones as well, like networking and outreach
to the public and government. I’m a great admirer of our annual
DoorKnock missions; in fact, their success suggests the need for
greater frequency and intensified contact – especially now,
as our voices abroad are few and our messages in need of constant
reiteration. I hope to see more of AmCham’s young executives
take part in this and other activities and help set the agenda,
and, in so doing, acquire invaluable experience.
Egypt’s business community is about to enter
a new era. The GATS agreement is on our doorstep, and if you thought
that the agreement on products was important, the one on services
will have an even greater impact. As a country rich in human resources,
we should excel in the service sector and consolidate its role in
our economy – but this will only come about through innovative
thinking and hard work. I believe that AmCham is a great platform
from which to launch the business community’s initiatives,
to communicate and to build the consensus and mutual support we
need.
I have no illusions about the difficulties facing
businesses at this time. But I believe that AmCham Egypt has a role
that far exceeds the representation of corporate interests. We would
be remiss if we did not direct our collective resources towards
improving Egypt’s economic future, as well as towards clarifying
and maximizing the possibilities inherent in our relationship with
America.
No one can ignore the necessity of interaction and
cooperation, nor can we afford to underestimate the challenges confronting
us at home and abroad as we seek to do our jobs. I only hope to
do mine to the satisfaction of a demanding and participatory membership,
and to serve our community and the economy at large.
Taher S. Helmy
President, AmCham Egypt
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