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Egyptian business owners adapt to social unrest

Lizzie O'Leary Aug 16, 2013
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Egyptian business owners adapt to social unrest

Lizzie O'Leary Aug 16, 2013
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As the turmoil and unrest continues in Egypt, many businesses in the country have closed operations. In many areas, it’s too dangerous to allow employees to come into work and in others, the commute may be too risky.

Ahmed Al-Qusi is a small business owner in Cairo. He owns six showrooms that sell stationary and fine paper. His shop in one of the more tumultuous areas was closed today, but he and his employees came to work anyway — with the doors locked and fire extinguishers ready — to make sure the property and items inside stayed safe. He worries about the safety of his employees, but he feels assured that they will be safe. By now, they are all used to it.

“We are always going through all kinds of crises. So we’ve got lot of experience to live the day, every day, by itself — to work on a daily basis,” he says.

Al-Qusi says even though tomorrow he plans to open all  six of his showrooms and head offices,  after tomorrow, he is less certain. Listen to the full conversation with Al-Qusi by clicking play on the audio player above.

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