Austrian Economic Mission to Egypt
Cairo, March 16 to 19, 2009

From March 16 to 19, 2009, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber in Vienna and the Austrian Commercial Office in Cairo are planning a trade mission to Cairo . On this occasion, the Fourth Meeting of the Austrian-Egyptian Business Council will be held.

The Austrian Commercial Office in Cairo together with the Austrian Federal Economc Chamber in Vienna is planning to organize a trade mission to Cairo from March 16 to 19, 2009 under the direction of Dr. Richard Schenz, vice-President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.

After 2004, the import of Austrian goods to Egypt doubled and increased in 2007 by 25% to Euro 195 million. But 2008 experienced stagnation, Austrian goods delivery reaching only Euro 152.7 million by the end of September. During the same period, Egypt herself was able to double her imports to Austria reaching Euro 48 million.

During the past years, Egypt has achieved economic growth rates up to 7 %. Due to cautious financial engagement abroad, Egypt has - until now - not been hit that hard by the international financial crisis. But meanwhile, a decrease in the growth rate to 4% to 5% in 2009 is anticipated, based on the expected drop of income from exports, tourism, Suez Canal tolls and transfers. Egypt continues to invest in infrastructure, in the health and the transport, and increasingly in the environment sector.

We assume that Egypt will be seen – despite the difficult situation – as an alternative to the traditional export markets of Austrian enterprises. The Austrian-Egyptian Soft Loan Agreement offers Austrian companies additional possibilities to work on the Egyptian market.

If you are interested to meet Austrian business counterparts who will participate in this trade mission, please, contact Dr. Kurt Altmann at  kairo@advantageaustria.org