EGYPT

Officially the "Arab Republic of Egypt".
Largest oil-producing nation in the world: main exports are oil and oil products.
- Egypt also exports cotton and farming products.
38% of Egypt's total exported goods in 1999 went to the United States.
Egypt has built business relationships with the United States, Italy, France, Greece, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan over years.
Egypt remains as an agrarian country with approximately 40% of its population engaged in farm-related occupations.

Official language is Arabic--English is not popular.
- It's important to know some Arabic when doing business in Egypt.
Islam is Egypt's official religion.
- 90% of the population is Muslim and are restricted from drinking alcohol, using illicit drugs and eating pork.
Egypt is the Middle East's telecommunication center and
- Also, its the news and entertainment broadcasting leader.
Lower tax rates at the East Port and the Gulf of Suez (located outside of the Nile Valley) encourage Egyptians to relocate from overcrowded cities such as Cairo and Alexandria.
- This low tax rate may attract foreign investment.
Foreign businesswomen enjoy a favorable disposition from the Egyptian government.
- This Arab nation is concerned for women's rights and imposes few regulations on businesswomen in Egypt.
Crime is low in Egypt but foreigners should look out for pickpockets and petty-thieves.

Egyptian fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
Egyptians always greet with a handshake.
Egyptians value social status and like being addressed by their titles.
Egyptians prefer contact by appointment rather than a cold call.
Egyptians enjoy socializing so business meetings seldom start and end on time.
Conservative business suits are desirable.
Women should wear a full length conservative dress that covers the body properly to avoid negative attention and even verbal or sexual harassment.
Egypt follows the Islamic calendar for religious purposes and the Western calendar for business, government and other community purposes.

Do's

Adopt the “ladies first” attitude
Egyptians tend to keep a close distance in face-to-face conversation
Repeat your offer several times.
- Egyptians often ignore the first offer because an offer made only once may be just a gesture of politeness
Hosting dinner is a common practice to reciprocate hospitality and show your gratitude.
Remove your shoes when one is visiting a mosque, mausoleum, or “madrasa”

Don'ts

Drugs, alcohol and pork are considered unclean in Muslim society
Religious recruitment or conversion attempts are illegal in Egypt
Pornography in any form (e.g., magazines, photos, video) is prohibited
It's bad etiquette for men to talk to Egyptian women they don't know
Tips or other gratuities may offend some business people or professionals as degrading
It's dangerous to walk alone deserted areas
Don't accept anything (including polite invitations) from strangers

Egypt is a multi-party democracy with 454 members in the People's Assembly and 210 members in the Advisory council.
- The People's Assembly is a committee that approves the country's budget and government's agendas. It also regulates taxes and monitors the cabinet's work.