Egypt’s economy no better two years after Hosni Mubarak
Two years ago today, after a month of sometimes violent protests, Hosni Mubarak was forced to resign as the president of Egypt. There is now a new president, but not much more political stability. And, depending on the day, just as much unrest on the streets, protesting the new regime.
It’s a continuing challenge for Egypt’s already struggling economy, and a disappointment for business leaders who once had hope for more political and economic change. “It has been two years since the revolution, but it all hasn’t been tragic — there are times worse than now and some better than now — but the economy is suffering badly, especially tourism, which is 11 percent of the GDP,” said Hisham Fahmy, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. “All our friends from around the world who are waiting to support Egypt are on hold — and that is precarious.”
Despite the problems, he says people still need to buy food and other products, which has been a boon to multi-national companies like Proctor & Gamble and GM. “There are people reaping opportunities,” he says. “Unfortunately, [the unrest] has affected smaller companies — people who can’t afford to pay their employees.”
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