U.S. Chamber to Lead Largest-Ever Business Delegation to Egypt

WASHINGTON, D.C.—From September 8 through 11, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S.-Egypt Business Council (USEBC) will lead a business delegation of more than 100 U.S. executives representing nearly 50 companies to Egypt.  The delegation is being organized in close collaboration with the Department of State and the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (AmCham Egypt).

“Egypt’s potential for economic growth is unparalleled within the region,” said Lionel Johnson, U.S. Chamber vice president for Turkey, Middle East and North Africa Affairs. “The breathtaking pace and scope of the country’s transition to a more transparent and accountable governance will set the stage for even greater engagement by U.S. companies.”

With a growing population of more than 85 million people, Egypt represents an important market for U.S. products and services.  According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, two-way-trade with Egypt totaled $8.2 billion for the United States in 2011.

Johnson will lead the delegation, the U.S. Chamber’s largest-ever to the Middle East region, alongside G. Steven Farris, Chairman of USEBC and Chairman and CEO of the Apache Corporation, and Gamal Moharam, Chairman of AmCham Egypt. 

While in Cairo, executives are scheduled to meet with new government leaders and private-sector partners.  The goal of the delegation is to help grow the Egyptian economy, create a vibrant export market for U.S.-made goods and services, and create jobs for Egyptians and Americans alike.

In coordination with the Chamber-led delegation, Deputy Secretary of State Thomas R. Nides will lead a U.S. government delegation, which includes Deputy National Security Advisor Michael Froman, Senior Advisor to the Secretary John Podesta, and representatives from the Department of Commerce, the United States Trade and Development Agency, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

A full list of companies participating in the private-sector delegation can be found here: Delegation List