USEBC Hosted Egypt Ministers of Planning & International Cooperation and Finance

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Egypt Business Council (USEBC), in conjunction with the Embassy of Egypt, hosted Egyptian Minister of Planning & International Cooperation Fayza Aboulnaga and Egyptian Minister of Finance Dr. Samir Radwan in the Hall of Flags at a luncheon briefing April 14. The Ministers addressed all aspects of the Egyptian economy, including tourism, debt, foreign direct investment, housing projects, and trade with over 130 members of the business community.

Lionel Johnson, Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at the U.S. Chamber, moderated the discussion underscoring the unprecedented arrival of the Egyptian ministers in Washington, D.C., during Egypt’s political transition signaling the Chamber’s support for persistent U.S. engagement in the region. Steve Farris, CEO of Apache and Chairman of the U.S.-Egypt Business Council (USEBC), flew in from Houston, Texas, to affirm the council’s support for sustained business in Egypt and demonstrate the importance of the business community working with Egyptians as they move forward. The lunch was sponsored by Apache Corporation and The Coca-Cola Company and organized under auspices of the Embassy of Egypt and Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S. Sameh Shoukry.

Minister Aboulnaga is the second longest sitting minister in Egypt and was asked to return from the previous cabinet. She asserted that the current Egyptian government traveled to Washington to be at the forefront of helping build Egypt through trade and investment as well as foreign assistance in the short and long-terms. Minister Radwan discussed the immediate challenges facing the Egyptian economy and how the U.S. private sector can be a driver in creating jobs and opportunity throughout Egypt. Following the lunch, the U.S.-Egypt Business Council held a private roundtable discussion with both ministers regarding business in Egypt and an upcoming business promotion mission the council will take to Egypt this June.

Video coming soon! For the audio, click here.