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Claude Smadja, Former Managing Director & Principal Advisor of the World Economic Forum Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel February 19, 2003

In the midst of so much controversy, Egypt’s International Economic Forum invited Mr. Claude Smadja, President of Smadja & Associates Strategic Advisory & Former Managing Director & Principal Advisor of the World Economic Forum, to give his perspective to current affairs. A round table discussion was held on February 19th entitled “The World After Saddam”. Needless to say, the topic attracted a large audience from all disciplines. As Mr. M. Shafik Gabr said in his opening speech, there is a sense of frustration and gloom enveloping the region. The 1990s showed a lot of promise for Egypt; we successfully participated in the liberation of Kuwait, the private sector achieved serious privatization and direct foreign investment that exceeded expectations. In the past two years, however, we witnessed the aftermath of the IT bubble, we witnessed 9/11 which is a global tragedy, we witnessed severe regression in the Palestinian/Israeli peace process which is impacting the region and the world as a whole. We are sensing tremors in the region and the future is unpredictable.With such a bleak picture in mind, Mr. Smadja took the floor. He shared with the audience his thoughts as an independent foreign observer and was quick to point out that to understand what is happening in Iraq, one has to look at the bigger picture. What is happening today is a repercussion of the terrorist attack of 9/11. We are also seeing the beginning of the post cold war era. The world has entered into a new set of international relations. All hopes were dashed when Mr. Smadja declared that war is avoidable only if a miracle was to take place. He personally believes that for Iraq to be spared war, one of two things has to happen; either Saddam is to fall dead or the 22 representatives of the Arab League (21 minus Iraq) take a plane to Baghdad and demand Saddam’s resignation and in return they will ensure that Iraq receives an adequate program of assistance for the Iraqi people. Since neither is likely to happen, then war it is. He even went further to specify the time of war, which he believes will take place sometime between the 28th of February and 15th of March.

Luncheon with HE Dr. Muhammed Ibrahim Solieman, Minister of Housing, Utilities & Urban Communities Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel March 10, 2003

Based on the recommendation of “Egypt’s Retail Banking & Consumer Finance: A Growth Sector” conference that was held on January 13-14, 2003. The Forum organized on March 10th the working luncheon with HE Dr., Muhammed Ibrahim Solieman where he encountered the new mortgage law & its impact on the Egyptian economy .The luncheon was attended by a large number of bankers, construction companies and members of the press who wanted to hear the latest development of the law. The event was sponsored by Housing & Development Bank (HDB) and Misr International Bank (MiBank). From L to R: Mr. Said El Alfi, Member of the People’s Assembly, HE Muhammed Ibrahim Solieman, Mr. Fathy El Sebai, Chairman of Housing & Development Bank

From L to R: Mr. Said El Alfi, Member of the People’s Assembly, HE Muhammed Ibrahim Solieman, Mr. Fathy El Sebai, Chairman of Housing & Development Bank

May 5, 2003

On May 5, 2003 Egypt's international forum has organized a roundtable discussion with H.E. Dr. Aly El Din Helal, Minister of Youth and member of the Forum's Board of Trustees and Mr. Hussein Choukri, Member of the Board. Both speakers have given their perception on the affect of the war on Iraq on the Egyptian economy and the role that the forum could play to enhance it.

The roundtable has attracted a large number from Forum's membership and has provided room for discussion and debate.

Luncheon with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, Cairo - Egypt

September 9, 2003

The Forum held a special luncheon in honor of H.E. Vladimir Spidla, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and his accompanying delegations. The session that was held on September 9th discussed Czech – Egyptian Economic Cooperation: a vision for the future.

Mr. M. Shafik Gabr welcoming HE Vladimir Spidla &

HE Dr. Atef Ebeid

H.E. Vladimir Spidla addressing the audience

The 8th Arab Financial Forum

Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, Cairo - Egypt

September 16- 17, 2003

Euromoney Conferences in conjunction with Egypt's International Economic Forum has organized the 8th Euromoney Arab Financial Forum 2003 "Opportunities in a time of Change”. The conference was under the auspices of the Government of Egypt and was inaugurated by HE Dr. Atef Ebeid, Egyptian Prime Minister. Over 650 delegates from over 25 different countries attended this year’s Forum, bringing together leading regional and international policy makers, as well as international investors.

The Forum gave the delegates the opportunity to meet leading figures in the industry and learn about the latest the specific issues of concern to those working in and with the Arab world.

Dinner in honor of Mr. Christiaan Poortman, Vice President – Middle East & North Africa of the World Bank

Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, Cairo - Egypt

September 16, 2003

The Forum held a special dinner in honor of Mr. Christiaan Poortman, Vice President – Middle East & North Africa of the World Bank. In this session, Mr. Poortman discussed the World Bank’s perception of the economic situation in Egypt and his vision for the upcoming years.