• December 16, 2009

Since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, Egypt has made steady progress toward participation in the global economy. But before the country can fully benefit from freer trade and speed the growth of exports and investments, it must build its capacity to analyze, negotiate, and exercise its rights in and comply with WTO agreements.

Recently the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) contracted Nathan Associates to help improve Egypt's trade policy framework and institutional environment. The $20 million project, Assistance for Trade Reform, seeks to strengthen the government agencies responsible for trade policy in Egypt and improve the laws and regulations affecting trade liberalization and WTO compliance.

The first order of business for Nathan Associates is to set up a WTO Unit in Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Trade and form the necessary coordinating mechanisms among agencies and the private sector to foster WTO compliance and improved participation in negotiations.

Nathan will use a mentoring and capacity-building approach to deliver technical assistance, working closely with the relevant Egyptian ministries and divisions to ensure that project results are sustained.

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