FROM AID TO TRADE

Egypt has long been one of the most important allies of the United States in the Middle East, where it represents a voice of moderation. The U.S. government regards Egypt as having an indispensable role to play in achieving peace and democracy in the region.

U.S. Ambassador David Welch emphasizes the nation’s position at the center of the Arab world. “Work in three areas—trade and investment, democracy and reform, and education—can once again catapult Egypt into the leading country in the Arab Middle East and beyond; indeed, into a global leader,” he says.

Egypt is second only to Israel in the amount of American military and economic aid it receives—an average of $2 billion a year.

Both Egypt and the United States want to see the balance switch from aid to trade and investment. Egypt is a major market for American goods, and U.S. investments in the country currently total more than $2.5 billion.