The U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for Technology, Cheryl L. Shavers, signed an agreement September 30 with Egyptian officials to strengthen cooperation in science and technology.

The signings took place during the semi-annual meeting of the Technology Subcommittee under the U.S.-Egypt Partnership for Economic Development. Following the meeting, a partnership technology partnership between U.S. and Egyptian Sister Cities, and a program to promote cooperation between U.S. and Egyptian small and medium-sized businesses, were announced.

The meeting also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Microsoft and Raya Holding Company of Egypt. The agreement would establish a privately owned, world-class academy to provide high-level technical training and certification in Microsoft technologies to aspiring Egyptians.

Following is the text of the US-Egypt Technology agreement:

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U.S. AND EGYPT SIGN AGREEMENTS

ADVANCING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION

Dr. Cheryl L. Shavers, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, today signed a Joint Statement with Dr. Ahmed Nazif Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Dr. Fawzy El-Refaie, representing the Egyptian Minister of State for Higher Education and Scientific Research, to strengthen cooperation in science and technology. She also witnessed the signing of a joint business agreement between U.S. and Egyptian companies.

The signings took place during the semi-annual meeting of the Technology Subcommittee under the U.S.-Egypt Partnership for Economic Growth and Development. In signing the Joint Statement, the Subcommittee co-chairs announced plans to develop a technology partnership between U.S. and Egyptian Sister Cities and to promote cooperation between U.S. and Egyptian small and medium-sized businesses. The Subcommittee also discussed the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID's) support for Egypt's information technology development through assistance to strengthen the legal and regulatory environment, e-business, and education and training. USAID intends to sign agreements for these programs with the Government of Egypt on September 30, 2000.

"I am pleased that the Department of Commerce has been able to foster partnerships between the U.S. and Egyptian public and private sectors. These efforts will ultimately help America maintain its leading role in the global economy and help Egypt to build its economy and work force," Dr. Shavers said at the signing ceremony.

"These agreements mark a major step forward for Egypt, as we continue to focus on achieving the objectives of our National Communications and Information Technology Plan," Minister Nazif noted at the ceremony. "We have an ambitious program ahead of us, and I am encouraged by these latest developments, which will benefit the Egyptian people."

Under Secretary Shavers and Minister Nazif also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Microsoft and Raya Holding Company of Egypt. The agreement would establish a privately owned, world-class academy to provide high-level technical training and certification in Microsoft technologies to aspiring Egyptians. Signing on behalf of Microsoft and Raya Holding Company were Mr. Ali Faramawy, General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, and Mr. Medhat Khalil, CEO and Chairman of Raya Holding Company, respectively.

Commenting on the Subcommittee's meeting, Dr. El-Refaie said, "In order for Egypt to actively participate in the global information society, we need to invest in research for our people. That is critical, meaning that we must invest in all fields of technology targeting all age groups. This will accelerate the development of Egypt's human potential."

Joining Under Secretary Shavers at the signing ceremonies at the Department of Commerce were key officials from the U.S. State Department, Agency for International Development, the Government of Egypt, including Ambassador Nabil Fahmy, and representatives of the U.S. and Egyptian private sectors, including members of the U.S.-Egypt Presidents' Council.

The goals of the Technology, Subcommittee are to stimulate growth of Egyptian businesses through technology and business linkages with U.S. firms and to encourage policies that promote U.S. business investment in the Egyptian private sector. Under Secretary Shavers co-chairs the Technology Subcommittee with Dr. Ahmed Nazif, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Dr. Moufid Shehab, Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Minister of State for Scientific Research. Dr. Fawzy El-Refaie, Vice President of the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, represented Dr. Shehab at the ceremony.

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Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State.
Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov