Ebeid holds series of meetings to discuss Egyptian-EU partnership, intellectual property, new taxes law

Egypt's Prime Minister Atef Ebeid will hold this week a series of meetings that will discuss ways of implementation the Egyptian-EU partnership and the latest developments in the Egyptian industry modernization program.

Secretary-General of the cabinet Safwat Al Nahas said Ebeid will discuss with local banks' presidents modernization process of the Egyptian banks, and the investors' complaints of high interest they pay for loans.

Ebeid will also discuss the possibility of setting up a fund that will lend inhabitants of rural areas for small-scale and micro enterprises that can face unemployment and improve income of the rural families. About one million pound will be allocated for each village. Egypt has 458 villages.

Another meeting will be held to discuss the regulations of the intellectual property law passed by the people's Assembly. This law will encourage creation and protect rights of investors.

The prime minister will consider the new tax laws drawn up by the Ministry of Finance before referring it to the People's Assembly for approval.