Ambassador Ron Kirk met today in Cairo with Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, Egyptian Minister of Industry and Trade Rachid Mohamed Rachid, and Egyptian Minister of Investment Mahmoud Mohieldin. The four leaders explored ways to strengthen the U.S.-Egyptian bilateral dialogue on trade- and investment-related issues. In a joint press conference, Ambassador Kirk and Minister Rachid committed to work together to advance a shared goal of doubling exports in five years.
"Egypt has long been a key U.S. partner in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The meetings today have provided the United States with an opportunity to deepen the economic side of our relationship with Egypt," said Ambassador Kirk. "I look forward to working with Minister Rachid in the future to create jobs and boost our economies through U.S.-Egypt trade."
Ambassador Kirk and Minister Rachid also met with the Business Leaders Council, a group they formed under the rubric of the U.S -Egypt Strategic Economic Partnership for Trade-related and Investment Issues, to help identify barriers to bilateral trade and investment that the two governments need to rectify. At that meeting Ambassador Kirk made clear that, "A private sector dialogue serves as a critical tool in strengthening the U.S.-Egypt commercial relationship. It is what creates the environment that promotes innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth."
