Arab League

Arab League, informal name of the League of Arab States, a voluntary association of independent countries whose peoples are mainly Arabic speaking. Its stated purposes are to strengthen ties among the member states, coordinate their policies, and promote their common interests.
The Arab League was founded in Cairo in 1945 by Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Trans-Jordan (Jordan, as of 1950), and Yemen. Countries that later joined are: Algeria (1962), Bahrain (1971), Comoros (1993), Djibouti (1977), Kuwait (1961), Libya (1953), Mauritania (1973), Morocco (1958), Oman (1971), Qatar (1971), Somalia (1974), Southern Yemen (1967), Sudan (1956), Tunisia (1958), and the United Arab Emirates (1971). The Palestine Liberation Organization was admitted in 1976.
The Arab League is involved in political, economic, cultural, and social programs designed to promote the interests of member states. The Arab League has served as a forum for member states to coordinate their policy positions and deliberate on matters of common concern, settling some Arab disputes and limiting conflicts such as the Lebanese civil wars of 1958. The Arab League has served as a platform for the drafting and conclusion of almost all landmark documents promoting economic integration among member states, such as the creation of the Joint Arab Economic Action Charter, which set out the principles for economic activities of the league. It has played an important role in shaping school curricula, and preserving manuscripts and Arab cultural heritage. The Arab League has launched literacy campaigns, and reproduced intellectual works, and translated modern technical terminology for the use of member states. It encourages measures against crime and drug abuse and deals with labor issues (particularly among the emigrant Arab workforce).

http://www.arableagueonline.org/arableague/index_en.jsp

Top of Page

CIDA Cooperation in Egypt

In 2001, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) celebrated 25 years of its development cooperation program in Egypt. Since 1976, CIDA has provided over CDN $1 billion in support of approximately 540 projects across the whole spectrum of development - agriculture, the environment, energy, education, technical assistance and economic and social growth.

Projects in Egypt

The development assistance that CIDA provides around the world translates into jobs, contracts, and export sales for Canadians. This section provides links to the various projects in Egypt that are currently in operation, as well as those that are in the planning stage.

Egyptian Environment Initiatives Fund (EEIF) .

Privatization of Egyptian Public Sector Enterprises.

Small and Medium Business Support Project.

Small Enterprise Development in Upper Egypt (SMEDUP) .

http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/CIDAWEB/webcountry.nsf/VLUDocEn/Egypt-Projects

• Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
• CIDA Egypt Program Support Unit (PSU)

• Egypt Country Development Programming Framework (CDPF)

Top of Page

Danish Development Assistance

Denmark informed during the Danish-Egyptian Annual Consultations in May 2003 that Danida was to phase-out its bilateral Development Assistance on a grant basis to Egypt over a 6-year period. The decision had been taken in consideration of the fact that Egypt was one of the middle per capita income countries according to the World Bank standards.

Environment Sector Programme (ESP)

During the phasing-out the Environment Sector Programme (ESP) will continue to support the Egyptian Government in its efforts to improve the environment, the institutional capacity and to create the framework for the respect of the national law governing the environment.

ESP Components:

• DEM Decentralise Environnemental Management.
• CEM Communication in Environnemental Management.
• EMG Environmental Management in the Governorates.
• ACI Achieving Compliance with environmental regulation in Industry.
• EIMP Environmental Information and Monitoring Programme.
• SPA Technical assistance to Shore Protection Agency.
• KIMA Fertilizer and Ferrosilicon Plant.

Achieving Compliance with environmental regulation in Industry Component (ACI):

• The component supports the industry in improving compliance with environmental regulation through Cleaner Production. Cleaner production is the combining term used to describe cleaner technologies involved, end of pipe abatement equipment, and good environmental management.
• Aims : Services to industry in cleaner production through the Environmental Compliance Office at the Federation of Egyptian Industries.
• Financing facilities for these environmental management schemes and cleaner production projects.
• EEAA's increased experiences in awareness, improved environmental management, and cleaner technologies.
• The capacity of the Egyptian technical consultants to assist in the implementation of cleaner production in three industrial sectors.

Top of Page

Egyptian Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)

The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is a fund established under Law 4/1994 within The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA). Its goal is to stimulate investment in the environmental sector in Egypt to support the government's environmental. social and economic policies. To realize this goal, the EPF provides financial assistance on a competitive basis for projects that benefit the environment. In addition. The EPF seeks to foster partnerships between the financial community and both the public and private business sectors to increase investment in environmental initiatives.

http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/epf/english.htm
http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/epf/how_to_contact_the_epf.htm
http://www.medwetcoast.com/article.php3?id_article=193

Top of Page

European Investment Bank (EIB)

The European Investment Bank has committed more than 2.7 billion euro in loans since 1978. Major sectors include energy, transport, industry, farming, and water sewage. The EIB's operations, which have expanded in recent years, received a boost with the setting up of the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP), which prompted the EIB to open an office in Cairo, its first in the southern Mediterranean.

Lending activity is geared to five operational priorities:

• Regional development and economic and social cohesion within the Union.
• Implementation of the "Innovation 2000 Initiative.
• Environmental protection and improving the quality of life.
• Preparing the Accession Countries for EU membership.
• Community development aid and cooperation policy in the Partner Countries.

http://www.eib.org/index.asp
http://www.eib.org/about/objective
http://www.eif.org

Top of Page

EU

Egypt received a total of 661 million euro from the European Community budget. Funds concentrated on promoting market economy approaches in agriculture and investing in socio-environmental infrastructure. Programmes in economic co-operation, energy, industry, and health were also included.

http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/egypt/intro/index.htm

Top of Page

GTZ in Egypt

Due to its strategic location in the Middle East, Egypt is one of Germanys most important partners for international development cooperation. The first project of EgyptianGerman technical cooperation began in 1956, and in 1981 GTZ opened an office in Cairo.

German technical cooperation is mainly organised in programmes and its advisory services are threefold:

• Policy advisory units influence the framework conditions moving towards an open and market-oriented society.
• At the mid-level, local government and private associations are supported.
• At the local level, projects cooperate directly with the population of the area.

In all programmes, participation of stakeholders is crucial: central and local government, private sector, and civil society are to be involved in all stages.

http://www.gtz.de/laender/ebene3.asp?Thema=9&ProjectId=81&Reihenfolge=7&spr=2

http://www.gtz.de/english/

Top of Page

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), established in 1991, helps developing countries fund projects and programs that protect the global environment. GEF grants support projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.

For The GEF PROGRAMS:

http://www.gefweb.org/Map/orgp_2000-12.pdf
http://www.gefweb.org/

Focal Points in Egypt

Minister of State for Environmental Affairs

Chief Executive Officer (EEAA)

30 Misr Helwan El-Zyrae Road - Maadi

30 Misr Helwan El-Zyrae Road - Maadi

P.O. Box 11728

P.O. Box 955

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

TEL: +202 5256452

TEL: +202 5256445 / 5256450

FAX: +202 5256490

FAX: +202 5256454

E-mail: mseaoffice@eeaa.gov.eg

E-mail: khalil@eeaa.gov.eg

(Political Focal Point)

(Operational Focal Point)

Counsellor

Head Department of Environment
and Sustainable Development

Arab Republic of Egypt

TEL: +202 5747847

FAX : +202 5747847

E-mail: esd@sl-mfa.gov.eg

(Political Focal Point)

Top of Page

Industrial Modernization Program (IMP) / Industrial Modernization Center(IMC)

The Industrial Modernization Program is a national initiative, with a total budget of 430million Euros, of which 250 million is funded by the European Union. making it the largest industrial support program the European Union has ever funded in the Southern Mediterranean countries. The overall goals of the IMP are:

1. Upgrade Egyptian technological skills to International Standards.
2. Improve the performance of the workforce a all levels.
3. Enhance investment opportunities.
4. Develop an appropriate business environment for better efficiency.

The achievement indicators of the IMP are clearly indicated in the agreement between the European Union and the Ministry of Industry and Technological Development. certain goals were set aiming at the upgrading of the Egyptian Industries in order to qualify it to compete within the International arena.

IMC Components:

• P&F
  infopf@imc-egypt.org
• QIS
  infoqis@imc-egypt.org
• CMTC
   infocmtc@imc-egypt.org
• BRC's
   infobrc@imc-egypt.org

http://www.mitd.gov.eg/English/index.htm

http://www.imc-egypt.org/

http://www.mitd.gov.eg/English/topnav/IMC.htm

Top of Page

Italian Cooperation in Egypt

The commitment of Italian Cooperation in Egypt reflects the consolidated bonds between the two countries. This activity is articulated in different areas and promotes a multi-sector developing programme reflecting a consistent strategy of economic, social and human development.

Projects concern the cultural, vocational training, environmental, sanitary, research, social and productive areas. They propose participative methodologies with a peculiar interest to gender aspects transversely affecting the various topics. The Italian Cooperation promotes projects financed by the bilateral financing, the Debt - for - Development Swap as well as through the Italian NGOs, some of which have recently been recognized "successful candidate" at operating in the Country.

http://www.utlcairo.org/english/progetti/progetti_2.htm

To access to the Italian cooperation projects in Egypt visit:

http://www.utlcairo.org/english/home_en.htm

Top of Page

Japan Bank for International Cooperation ( JBIC)

The purpose of Japan Bank for International Cooperation shall be to contribute to the sound development of Japan and the international economy and community through undertaking lending and other financial operations: for the promotion of Japanese exports, imports or Japanese economic activities overseas; for the stability of international financial order; and for economic and social development or economic stability in developing areas; in accordance with the principle that it shall not compete with commercial financial institutions.

JBIC is active in lending and other financing operations for projects that contribute to environmental conservation and improvement in the developing countries by making use of a broad range of financial instruments available in its international financial operations and overseas economic cooperation operations.

To continue affluent lifestyle in the years to come, it is essential for us to tackle a difficult task of achieving an appropriate balance between "economic activities for ensuring more comfortable life" and "considerations for the global environment" by preserving and improving the natural environment and by efficiently using finite energy resources. To this end, JBIC provides financial support by effectively using various financial facilities to support environmental projects, and carries out stringent checks for the environmental impact of financed projects based on "JBIC Guidelines for Confirmation of Environmental and Social Considerations" to confirm that the project proponent has made appropriate environmental considerations.

http://www.jbic.go.jp/english/environ

http://www.jbic.go.jp/english/index.php

http://www.jbic.go.jp/english/environ/support/overseas/index.php

http://www.jbic.go.jp/english/environ/support/index.php

Top of Page

KFW Entwicklungsbank (KfW development bank)

KFW Bankengruppe (KfW banking group) gives impulses for the economy, society and ecology in Germany, Europe and the world over. It supports change and promotes promising ideas.

KfW Projects in Egypt

1- Environmental Facility / Public Sector Industry (9566449)

The objective of the Facility is to assist the Egyptian Public Sector Industry (including Utilities) to comply with environmental standards set by the Egyptian authorities and, therefore, to make use of technology available to protect the environment. The Facility concentrates on industrial waste water minimization and treatment. Limited solid waste handling and work place improvement measures within the factory are also eligible since the 1999 Benchmark Review. The facility provides Euro M. 26.86 grant for industrial projects and Euro M. 3 for technical Assistance. The cut of date is 31/7/2004 for new reservations (contract award approval-BEAR).

2- Private Sector Industry Program (PSI) - Phase I Program To Support Private Sector Industry And Industrial Environmental Protection Through Commercial Banks

3- Private Sector Industry Program (PSI) - Phase II Program To Support Private Sector Industry And Industrial Environmental Protection Through Commercial Banks

This Program with a total volume of € 29.3 million provided by the German government intends to promote environment-related investment in the Egyptian private sector industry. The Program consists in a credit line for the provision of medium to long term loans either in LE at fixed interest rate or in foreign currency at fixed or floating interest rates and a line for grants. In addition, medium to long-term loans in local currency at floating rates may be funded out of own resources of Banks participating in the Program and can also be combined with grant elements. The financing is available through three local private banks (CIB, EAB and MIBank). End user-loans out of the Financial Co-operation Loan are limited to a maximum of € 1.5 million per enterprise; grants are limited to € 0.6 million per enterprise. Investments in environmental measures are eligible for a grant from 15% to 30% of their cost.
The credit is not tied to German equipment. Imported non-environmental equipment can be financed only by credit. Imported as well locally produced equipment for environmental protection may be financed with credit and grant components.

http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/English/main/Env2003/Day2/Modernization/PSI2-Outline%20(english)-last.pdf

Top of Page

Social Fund for Development (SFD)

Investment Promotion Unit (IPU) in Egypt

Since the establishment of SFD in 1991, it has played different roles at the development arenas of Egypt, and pioneered in most. Initially, it was designed as a social safety net associated with the government of Egypt's agreement to undertake its extensive Economic Reform and Structural Adjustment Program (ERASP). Therefore, the Fund was considered essential to the actual success of the reform program. Serving as a vanguard of economic empowerment, quality human resources, and an enabling environment for human development, SFD has successfully developed into a full-fledged organization with a new development perspective: it consolidates mechanisms for better understanding of the impact of globalisation and mobilizes efforts to minimize risks of social exclusion, help alleviate poverty and combat unemployment. In this capacity, it creates employment opportunities for start-up entrepreneurs and provides them with credit, technical assistance, skills, and technological know-how both Egyptian and international.

Top of Page

SEAM Programme

Support for Environmental Assessment and Management (SEAM) is a major environmental programme implemented by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Entec UK Ltd and ERM with support from the UK Department for International Development.

SEAM I (1994 - 1999)

SEAM II (2000 - 2004)

will build on SEAM I successes by improving environmental planning and services for the poor and strengthening decentralized environmental management. SEAM aims at Environmental Management amelioration and protection in an integrated fashion in the governorates of Dakahleya, Sohag, Qena and Damietta. Its main outputs are represented in fully functional environmental management and planning systems in Sohag and Dakahleya (these systems to be replicated in Qeana and Damietta by EEAA), poverty alleviation in the four governorates, and enhanced communication participation and awareness.SEAM activities are poverty focused. Capacity building and working towards sustainable development are integral issues being addressed in all SEAM activities.

http://www.seamegypt.com/
http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/English/info/Project_details.asp?project_id=8

Top of Page

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

ESCWA promotes economic and social development through regional and sub-regional cooperation and integration and serves as the main general economic and social development forum within the United Nations system for the ESCWA region. It formulates and promotes development assistance activities and projects commensurate with the needs and priorities of the region and acts as an executing agency for relevant operational projects. ESCWA coordinates its activities with those of the major departments/offices of the United Nations at Headquarters and of specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations, such as the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, with a view to avoid duplication and ensure complementarily, synergy and exchange of information. ESCWA is a part of the Secretariat of the United Nations and is one of the five regional commissions which report to the Economic and Social Council, the principal organ of the United Nations responsible for coordinating economic and social activities in the United Nations system. The other regional commissions are: the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). ESCWA carries out its work at the Western Asia regional level.

http://www.escwa.org.lb/

Top of Page

United Nations Environment Programme / The Regional Office for West Asia

The staff of UNEP/ROWA, view our mission as linking and integrating the environmental priorities and programmes of West Asia with the global Environmental programmes of UNEP. Their success is measured, on the one hand, by the quality of service we provide to member states, and on the other, by the response of these states to UNEP initiatives and their active participation in global forums and programmes. Their team aspires to provide adequate information, technical advice and to identify capacity building opportunities to member states. However, our efforts to address and react to environmental issues and priorities cannot not be maintained without the support and collaboration of UNEP's regional partners.

The coordination established with CAMRE, PERSGA, and ROPME is a major step towards enhancing cooperation in the region. The support provided by the Bahrain, the host country, and the GCC contributes significantly to the sustainability of UNEP's efforts in the region. Towards this objective, ROWA has established a close link with the principle ministerial body in the Arab region, the League of Arab States (LAS), Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment (CAMRE). Hence the Arab League Liaison Office (ALLO) was established in Cairo, Egypt.

For a full account of Regional Cooperation Activities, Projects, and Initiatives, please refer to "Regional Milestones", and "ROWA Calendar"

http://www.unep.org.bh/regional2.htm

United Nations Environment Programme websites:

http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=43&ArticleID=4558&l=en

Top of Page

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Investment Promotion Unit (IPU) in Egypt

The Investment Promotion Unit in Egypt is an initiative launched in 1998 by GAFI - General Authority for Investment and Free Zones of Egypt, the Italian Government and UNIDO for the development of local industrial SMEs through cooperation with Italian counterparts.

The office is part of the UNIDO ITPO network as well as of the UNIDO Mediterranean-Arab network formed by the ITPOs (Bahrain, France, Greece, Italy) and IPUs (Egypt, Jordan,Morocco,Tunisia) operating in the Mediterranean-Arab Region.

Top of Page

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Egypt

2000 and Beyond:

Aid to Trade: The relationship between the United States and Egypt continues to evolve. In the Seventies it was almost entirely based on aid, but now trade and investment are increasingly important. As this transition proceeds, Egypt is simultaneously becoming more closely integrated in the global economy.

In 1999, the United States and Egypt agreed on a ten-year plan to reduce assistance in recognition of Egypt's progress in social and economic development. The two countries will facilitate the transition to a successful, self-sustaining market economy by promoting job creation, investing in people, and optimizing use of the natural resource base.

Programs will focus on increasing mutual trade and attracting more investment to Egypt, while at the same time developing a more productive and better-trained workforce. Expanding and improving educational opportunities, enlarging the base of technical expertise, strengthening health and family planning services, protecting the environment, managing natural resources, and promoting citizen participation-all these are areas of mutual concern.

In the past 25 years, Egypt has made considerable progress in increasing economic growth, achieving macroeconomic stability and implementing structural adjustment with the help of USAID programs. Into the 21st century, the United States and Egypt share a common commitment to pursue a strategy that will continue to enhance the economic and social well being of the Egyptian people.

1- Environmental/ Economical (Industry) Programs:

• Commodity Imports Program
• Private Sector Encouragement Program

2- Electric Power (Energy) Program

http://www.usaid-eg.org/detail.asp?id=5

http://www.usaid-eg.org/detail.asp?id=8

Top of Page

World Bank

The World Bank Group's mission is to fight poverty and improve the living standards of people in the developing world. It is a development Bank which provides loans, policy advice, technical assistance and knowledge sharing services to low and middle income countries to reduce poverty. The Bank promotes growth to create jobs and to empower poor people to take advantage of these opportunities.

All the projects in Egypt:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=217672&piPK=95916&theSitePK=40941&
menuPK=221954&category=regcountries®ioncode=6&countrycode=EG

General Address: http://www.worldbank.org

Top of Page