Export enterprise development

The project will have two components -- proactive export promotion, and information services -- and will be implemented by the Egyptian-U.S. Joint Business Council"s U.S. Investment Promotion Office (USIPO), which will undergo a number of structural changes (including a name change) to reflect the project"s export promotion thrust. Focus will be on two sectors: non-citrus fruits and vegetables, and light manufacturing. Proactive export promotion, the core component, will consist of four activities: (1) institutional development, to help USIPO improve its organizational management, train its staff, and implement a detailed strategy for increasing Egyptian exports; (2) export market identification and promotion, to identify buyers through trade shows, seminars, and direct solicitation, and to track buyer leads; (3) exporter identification and assistance, to identify Egyptian firms in need of exporting assistance; and (4) sector-specific promotion and assistance. The majority of marketing assistance and TA will be provided at the firm-level, and directed toward Tier I firms (i.e., larger firms that use modern production methods, have exporting experience and can effectively utilize brokering and market information services, but may benefit from TA to improve their production efficiency). Some assistance will be provided to Tier 2 firms (smaller firms with some export experience that nonetheless have difficulty meeting international quality standards), but most assistance for Tier 2 firms will come from other USAID projects or other donors (and will be coordinated by USIPO). Tier 2 firms will also benefit from sector-level assistance under the project, including the development of backward linkages in which Tier 2 firms will serve as suppliers to Tier 1 firms. Under the information services component, USIPO will prepare highly professional promotional materials and disseminate information on commercial conditions and opportunities. Promotional materials will include a guide summarizing the overall export and investment climate in Egypt, brochures on targeted sectors, and materials describing services available from existing export promotion programs. USIPO will also develop a database on Egyptian companies, potential partners and markets, etc.