INTRO
Cairo is the largest city in Egypt, with a population of 20 million. The hustle and bustle of the city is especially noticeable in the traffic, which is emphatically present in the city throughout the day and, especially during rush hours, causes complete traffic jams in the heart of Cairo. The Nile is an important river for Cairo.
Egypt’s economy depends on agriculture, media, petroleum exports and tourism. The ability of the economy to keep up with the rapidly growing population is constantly challenged, especially with problems the acquisition of arable land and the unpredictability of rainfall and the Nile.
Here’s a sneak peek at the cultural differences from Cairo, Egypt:
- Personal contact is especially important. Make regular phone calls and visit Egypt in person from time to time so that people can get to know and appreciate you.
- Egyptians do not always take punctuality very seriously. They do expect you to be on time for your appointment. So be sure to notify if you will not be on time due to traffic jams or for any reason.
- Many Egyptians speak English or French, but appreciate it if the business partner speaks some words of Arabic. In addition, use business cards with two sides, with English text on one side and Arabic text on the other. Also, use titles in a conversation. Egyptians are sensitive to this.
Program
- Introduction by Mr. Evert-Jan Schouwstra –WTC Leeuwarden
- Presenting Cairo video
- Introduction by Mr. Ambassador Hatem Elsayed Kamaleldin – Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Cairo City and the business community in Egypt by Mr. Farag El Mahrouky – Head of Marketing & Customers Service WTC Caïro
- Dutch interest in Egypt and introduction about Netherlands-African Business Council by Mrs. Rosmarijn Fens – Managing Director of NABC
- Doing business in Cairo by Mr. Piet Bosma – export manager at HZPC
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Q&A