U.S.-Egypt Business Council Launches 40th Anniversary Campaign
CAIRO, EGYPT— The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Egypt Business Council today announced the launch of a year-long initiative to commemorate the Council’s 40th anniversary during a U.S. business delegation trip to Cairo, Egypt. Throughout 2019, the Council will host events and programming focused on the importance of the U.S.-Egypt partnership.
“Over the last 40 years, the U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Egypt Business Council has led the way in developing a strong economic partnership between the United States and Egypt,” said Khush Choksy, U.S. Chamber senior vice president for Middle East and Turkey Affairs. “Through our efforts, U.S. companies have been able to reach new customers and new markets across the world, which in turn have created jobs and economic growth at home. This year, we will celebrate the many contributions Egyptians have made to the U.S. business community and will continue our efforts to ensure another 40 years of a successful relationship.”
Launched in 1979 by President of the United States Jimmy Carter and President of Egypt Anwar Sadat during an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.-Egypt Business Council has played a key role in strengthening the strategic and economic alliance between the two nations. Over the past 40 years, the Council has helped American businesses seize upon new growth opportunities in the Egyptian market as well as guide Egyptian companies as they make new investments in the United States. This week, the U.S. Chamber led representatives from 45 companies to Egypt where the delegation reaffirmed the U.S. business community’s commitment to maintaining a strong economic relationship with Egypt.
“Our large delegation of American businesses is a testament to the progress achieved on several economic reforms, the confidence we have in Egypt’s future, and the commitment to sustaining a strong economic relationship with Egypt,” said Steve Lutes, U.S.-Egypt Business Council executive director. “During the course of our visit, we’ve underscored that U.S. businesses are doing more than just contributing to Egypt through jobs and investments. Contributions from the U.S. business community across a number of projects are making real impacts in the local communities and lives of many Egyptians.”
John Christmann, U.S.-Egypt Business Council chairman and Apache Corporation CEO will serve as co-chair of the 40th Anniversary Celebration Committee. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry will serve as honorary co-chairs of the Committee.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 80 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.
