Knock-door mission performs intensives activities in USA

The economic knock-door mission delegation intensified its activities in the United States at the end of its meetings ahead of President Hosni Mubarak's visit to Washington next Tuesday.

The US Chamber of Commerce delegation, which began its mission in Washington last Sunday, comprised more than 40 persons, divided to seven groups, that held 35-40 meetings on a daily basis with members of the US congress and political and economic research centers.

The delegation's task centered on getting abreast of vision of government, non-government and legislative machinery in the United States as well as discussing the economic condition in Egypt.

Businessman Galal Zorba, a chamber member, said the outcome of several meetings was positive.

"The congressmen spoke of the importance that Egypt has to play a role in ending the current aggravations in the Middle East region," said Zorba.

The delegation held that Egypt should not be responsible for solving all issues of the region and that its role should be confined to helping the parties concerned and their disputes, he added.

Criticism make by some US circles over the tempo of Egypt's economic reform program, Zorba said that the delegation made it clear to the US Organizations that Egypt is carrying out reforms and changes, taking into consideration the low-income categories.

Commenting on the future of the Egyptian-US Presidents Council, Zorba noted that with the advent of the new administration, the council does not exist.

"A new alternative is being crystallized to be in line with the new stage and the two parties' needs' "said Zorba.