The importance of services in the economy does not only stem from its ability of job creation or earning foreign currency, but it is a crucial factor in the development process through its forward and backwards linkage with other sectors of the economy. In other words, the well being of the services sector is an indicator and contributor to the growth and prosperity for the national economy at large. Recognizing this importance, the Forum established the Trade and Services Strategy Group.

Objectives
-  The Strategy Group will work towards bringing greater understanding of different trade n services agreements, especially the WTO and the GATS.

-  Concentrate on addressing new trade issues that would help the Forum's members have better business opportunities.

-  Special events shall be arranged addressing traditional as well as many nontraditional trade issues.

Strategy Group Work Plan

-  Study the services sectors in the Egyptian economy with a view towards enhancing the positive economic impact of these sectors.

-  Preparing position papers on trends and developments in multilateral and regional trade and on specific trade disciplines, in coordinate with academia, business and other stake holders.

-  Providing support to the Forum's member companies in the path towards open trade and investment relations.

-  Organize and coordinate with other institutions in Egypt and abroad to host related events addressing trade issues.

Governance
-  The Group has a chairman and a vice-chairman.

-  The Group will hold a minimum of one meeting per month, and is reporting to the Forum's Executive Board. The Group may hold more than one meeting when necessary.

Contacts
Chairman: Mohamed Kassem, World Trading Company
Co-Chairman:
E-mail: tradesg@eieforum.org