Cairo – Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) hosted a U.S. Embassy event to connect Egypt’s exporters with local service providers.  Over 500 companies, including large firms and small and medium enterprises, attended this event to meet more than 60 export service providers and learn about current and emerging trade trends and export issues.

“In partnership with the Ministry of Trade, USAID sponsored this event to help exporters take full advantage of market opportunities in the international market,” said Sherry F. Carlin, director of the USAID mission in Egypt.  “Connections to in-country export resources and specialized service providers can help exporters expand their sales and increase Egypt’s economic growth.”

At this event, USAID and Microsoft Egypt announced a partnership to develop an online platform for private sector exporters to connect with key export resource providers.  This virtual ‘Exporter’s Souk’ will link to other trade-related databases that include export studies, resource lists, and training courses.

In addition to visiting service providers in the event’s exhibition area, exporters attended presentations by trade specialists on key trade topics such as identifying new export market opportunities, exploring new export logistics, finding financing, using digital marketing and e-commerce resources, and improving packaging and labeling for key markets. These sessions are part of USAID’s aim to address key constraints in Egypt’s trade environment, including building awareness of special trade preference agreements, intellectual property rights, and public-private partnership opportunities.

This initiative is one facet of a comprehensive package of technical assistance from the American people that promotes job creation, economic recovery, private sector business growth, and a stronger trade and investment environment.  Over the past two years, U.S. Embassy activities, through USAID, have led to new or better full-time employment for over 40,000 people and short-term jobs for another 20,000. These projects are part of the nearly $30 billion that the American people, through USAID, have invested in Egypt since 1975.