Egypt Invest begins next week

Following the significant and sweeping Ministerial changes in July and the announced cuts in corporate and income taxes, as well as reform of the infamous customs duties Egypt Invest 2004 is coming at a very opportune time.

This new momentum in government is reflected in their full backing of this forum. It has been designed in conjunction with Ministry of Investment and GAFI (The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones) to encourage honest and open debate of the new government investment and trade strategies for Egypt and to address the existing concerns regarding the market's ability to become competitive and to attract FDI in the coming months and years.

With the new Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Nazif, already confirmed to open and present at this year's event, Egypt Invest 2004 now has the exceptional attendance of major government ministers including the Minister of Finance, H.E. Dr. Youssef Boutros-Ghali, the newly appointed Minister of Investment, H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Industry, H.E. Eng. Rashid M. Rashid.

Also confirmed to attend the event are some of the leading authorities in the investment field for the region including Mr. Richard Hecklinger, the Deputy Secretary General of the OECD, H.E. Mr. Erastus J.O. Mwencha, the Secretary General of COMESA and H.E. Dr. Ahmed Goueli, Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity will all be attending and presenting at this years forum.

Mr. Raymond Cahill, Chairman of IEP Egypt, the co-organiser of the event said 'This year will see Egypt Invest 2004 play host to many prominent local, regional and international businessmen as well as representatives of international organizations. The forum will allow government and investors to discuss recent investment initiatives and ways to break through barriers and red tape faced by investors, as well as issues concerning privatization policies and industry modernization. The focus is on real, practical and sustainable business and Public-Private Partnerships to drive forward economic growth in Egypt'

Over 380 regional and international delegates are already registered to attend this pivotal forum, and Egypt Invest 2004 is already seeing international delegates from as far as St. Petersburg and San Francisco attending.