(From Monday, December 22, 2008 to Tuesday, December 23, 2008)
Developing an efficient and competitive services sector is an essential requirement for a strong economy. According to recent official figures, the services sector accounts for 60 percent of GDP in Egypt and more than half of total employment. It is also of strategic importance in terms of its backward and forward linkages with other sectors of the economy and as such its efficiency is a determinant of the overall competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.

This conference was intended to investigate the current state of the services sector and consider possibilities for reform in light of domestic constraints and international commitments. In particular, it addressed the role of this sector in Egypt’s economy, the main challenges facing its further development and optimal strategies to address such challenges. The conference featured the presentation of several research papers prepared by prominent experts, followed by comments from distinguished panelists.