US-Egypt free trade zone soon

The agreement on a free trade zone between Egypt and USA is due on 7 June, when US trade representative, Robert Zolick will be visiting Cairo.

Mr Zolick is to discuss with Prime Minister Dr Atef Ebeid procedures adopted by the Egyptian government to pave the way for the establishment of the free zone.

"On top of the targeted plan is the endorsement of the copyright agreement and a commitment to WTO regulations, with special reference to customs and tariffs," Mohamed Mansour, chief of the US-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce said yesterday.

During his recent visit to Washington, Mansour stressed the importance of American economic and commercial interests in Egypt to high-ranking US officials, who included vice-President Dick Cheney.

"US bias towards Israel would jeopardise its interests in the region," Mansour said.