CAIRO – Marking the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2016, more than 150 investors, analysts, and businessmen and -women gathered today in Cairo to explore opportunities to promote small- and medium-sized enterprise development and to promote Egyptian entrepreneurship. 

“Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates the role of entrepreneurship and small businesses in advancing economic development,” said Brinton Bohling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  “Entrepreneurs in Egypt are creative and talented, and they can help build a competitive and sustainable economy for all Egyptians.”  Global Entrepreneurship Week runs from November 14 – 20 and seeks to inspire people throughout the world to explore their potential as entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by USAID in partnership with the Middle East Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the ceremony included senior officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, International Labor Organization, as well many local and international entrepreneurs.

Since 1978, USAID has invested nearly $30 billion in the people of Egypt for projects that reflect the shared goals and values of the people of America and the people of Egypt. This longstanding partnership reduced infant mortality and eliminated polio, modernized the power grid and expanded telecommunications networks, launched many entrepreneurs whose businesses created good jobs and added value to the Egyptian economy, and prepared students with marketable skills for the 21st century economy.