| Daniel Kurtzer, United States Ambassador to
Egypt, addressed the IALP class of 2000 today. Ambassador Kurtzer graciously welcomed our
group to the Egyptian Embassy and highlighted U.S. Egyptian relations and the
opportunities for further cooperation between the the two countries. Others addressing
our group included Thomas Pomeroy, Agriculture Counselor and Dr. D. Craig Anderson,
Agriculture Officer of U.S. AID office. In addition, several members of the embassy
and U.S. AID staff were included in the briefing session. Topics covered included
discussions concerning market promotion programs, environmental issues, business entry
into Egyptian markets, urban sprawl and information regarding cultural differences which
affect business success in Egypt.
Since the pursuit of peace is critical in this area of the world, the United States
embassy is Egypt is very important. Our class learned that, in terms of number of
people employed, this is the largest U.S. embassy in the world. Providing $713
million in funds, this embassy ranks 2nd among all U.S. embassies. The funds are
divided into three major use areas. They include economic reform, a critical part of the
United State's mission in Egypt is to help shift their economy into a position of more
privatization and away from social government controls. The second area is special
projects, the proposals undergo an extensive approval system before being funded. The
third area is commodity imports, many agricultural commodities produced in the United
States are eventually exported to Egypt, including corn valued at 188 million dollars.
Another major areas where U.S. funds are applied include military equipment
sales.
 Agriculture represents 19% of Egypt's GDP and 36% of overall employment. The
processing, marketing and other related support industry required for agriculture
generates another 20% of Egyptian GDP. IALP class members also learned that the
United States enjoys a healthy trade balance with Egypt. Imports from this African
country total $650 million, while exports total roughly $3.0 billion. This wonderful
trade surplus makes it evident that it is in the best interest of the United States to
remain a part of Egypt's $21 billion economy.
 During the later portion of the afternoon today, IALP class members were bussed into
Cairo's bazaar area. In this area of town, locals buy and sell food and other
goods. Among other items, several street vendors had t-shirts, perfumes and perfume
bottles, pipes, ancient Egypt artwork, jewelry and handmade rugs for sale. Vendors
were quite colorful and persistent while attempting to make a sale. Bartering for
prices was all part of this educational visit to Cairo's local market.
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