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Egypt
In the space of a few months, a new and younger team of ministers have breathed life back into an economic reform programme and the pall of gloom has been lifting. The same optimism, however, cannot be found on the political scene. - -
Content
Breaking the mould of inertia
The hope is that liberalisation will translate into jobs and disenchantment will dissipate.
Economy: Plaudits roll in thick and fast after years of gloom
The mood of the business community has been transformed by the change of government.
Politics: Regime retains its rigid grip
Critics argue that the gulf in political opportunities has helped breed extremism.
Ahmed Nazif interview: ‘Very clear and precise actions’
Prime minister Ahmed Nazif was appointed to shake Egypt out of recession.
Oil & gas: Investment ‘is about to pay off’
Egypt may soon be the world’s sixth largest gas exporter.
Cairo Alexandria Stock Exchange: Heady days of record highs as bourse is re-discovered
The market has gone up by 94 per cent in dollar terms this year.
Foreign policy: Priority is to push peace process
The passionate feelings of the public towards the Palestinians makes their fate a domestic concern.
Education: Loss of quality takes heavy toll
Improving the system is one of the most pressing challenges facing the government.
Oriental Weavers: Spreading their carpets around world
The worn-out loom on which Mohamed Farid Khamis wove his first rugs is enshrined in a glass pyramid at Oriental Weavers’ main factory outside Cairo.
Property law: Lack of rights holds back poor
Building legally involves 77 bureaucratic procedures and 31 offices.
