New Agreements in Technical Education and e-commerce
British Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Egypt, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP witnessed 2 new agreements aimed at expanding British support to Egypt’s economic growth
On Wednesday 20 July, British Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Egypt, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP witnessed two new agreements aimed at expanding British support to Egypt’s economic growth.
The initiatives come as Donaldson continues a week long mission to Egypt which has taken him to Cairo, Sokhna and Alexandria, including meetings with 7 Ministers and numerous Government and private sector entities. The visit is one of the first international engagements by the British Government since the appointment of new Prime Minister Theresa May and the creation of a new Department of International Trade. It demonstrates Britain’s intensified commitment to strengthen trade and investment relationships outside the EU, as the country prepares for a new trading model outside the EU in the years ahead.
In Alexandria on 20 July, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and British Consul-General in Alexandria Caroline Alcock signed an agreement with Alexandria Businessmen Association (ABA), which will help young Alexandrians gain world-class professional and vocational skills training from top UK companies.
The agreement sets out the UK’s commitment to support the Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) established by the Alexandria Businessmen Association (ABA) as part of efforts to develop the areas in and around Gheit El-Enab, Alexandria.
With the support of UK Trade and Investment’s education department, UK companies will be identified to work through the Centre and provide young Alexandrians with a diverse range of world-class technical and vocational education. Graduates of the centre will be equipped with the skills and training they need to compete in local and regional markets.
British Consul in Alexandria Caroline Alcock said:
This agreement is the result of long-standing, fruitful co-operation with the Alexandria Business Association (ABA) aimed at strengthening the role of the private sector in the development of education in Egypt. Both the ABA and the British Government are committed to enhancing Egypt’s prosperity through education, and this partnership is an important step towards realising that shared goal.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said:
I am delighted to be back in Alexandria, and to witness this important agreement. We are very proud to co-operate with ABA to ensure that the private sector in both Egypt and the UK can play a full role in supporting and developing Egypt’s education sector. Education is an important driver of economic growth and is crucial to Egypt’s future prosperity. Furthermore, the UK is Egypt’s ideal partner in education: British companies have the expertise and experience in technical and vocational skills and can be the key to Egypt’s success. We hope that this innovative approach will open up new opportunities in the sector, and deliver real benefits for communities in Alexandria.
At Smart Village earlier the same day, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP with HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Yasser ElKady launched an initiative to e-commerce Egypt through the provision of e-marketplaces. The initiative is a three-way agreement between Visa, Efinance and the British company CloudBuy. UK company CloudBuy is the leading global provider of e-marketplaces and was introduced to Efinance as part of its agreement with Visa.
Sir Jeffrey and the minister listened to speeches by Ibrahim Sarhan Chairman Efinance, Tarek Mahfouz CEO Visa, Ronald Duncan Chairman CloudBuy and Ahmed El Wakil President of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and the Union of African Chambers of Commerce. The electronic marketplaces will deliver jobs and growth for Egyptian businesses in line with the country’s strategy to grow its small businesses, exports and knowledge economy.
CloudBuy’s track record in creating over 300,000 businesses in the UK was a strong incentive for Egypt to sign this agreement. The objective is to grow Egyptian businesses, exports and increase employment through the Marketplace technology.
Commenting on the deals, British ambassador, John Casson said:
Britain is beginning the work of renewing its economic relationships to succeed outside the EU. In Egypt this means strengthening our position as the number one investment and education partner. These two new agreements demonstrate the potential for our business relationship to deliver results for British companies and at the same time give Egyptians the skills, technology and jobs for a better future. Brexit Britain is a natural strategic partner for the Egyptian economy.