AmCham Egypt hosted its Annual General Meeting and Dinner on May 29th at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization-NMEC. The event featured as Keynote Speaker, H.E. Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and was attended by a number of Egyptian Cabinet Members and dignitaries; including H.E. Engineer Tarek El-Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Maait, Minister of Finance, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, H.E. Hisham Tawfik, Minister of Public Business Sector, H.E. Dr. Tarek Shawky, Minister of Education and Technical Education.

During his speech, Minister El-Enany shared an update on the most significant archaeological discoveries in 2020, highlighting the discoveries of Saqqara, and stating that more will be announced next September. Minister El-Enany also talked about the recently inaugurated museums, highlighting that President El Sisi opened several new museums in three different governorates; the museums of Sharm el-Sheikh, Kafr El-Sheikh, the Royal Carriages Museum in Cairo, the Baron Empain Palace in Heliopolis, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat.

Minister El-Enany added that the Prime Minister opened the first archaeological museum in Hurghada and the pyramid of Djoser, in Saqqara. Additionally, His Excellency mentioned the opening of the Royal Al-Fath Mosque in the Abdeen and Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue in Alexandria, and two new museums at Cairo Airport. He also highlighted the opening of the Replica Factory in Obour City, which is the first of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East. Minister El-Enany emphasized the importance of revamping services in museums and archaeological sites, and updated members on the opening of the first restaurant in the Giza Plateau, and that another restaurant will be opened in Baron Palace soon.

Dr. Khaled El-Enany proudly shared a video highlighting the Golden Pharaohs’ Parade, which the world witnessed on April 3rd, shedding light on the efforts that were behind its major success, and stating that similar parades are being planned in the coming period, particularly as Egypt plans for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in the coming months.

Given the Tourism sector was one of the heaviest hit sectors, His Excellency highlighted the efforts of the government to support this vital and its workers during the Coronavirus pandemic, including efforts to resume inbound tourism, and ensure that hygiene and safety measures implemented at hotels, museums, archeological sites, and tourist establishments throughout Egypt, referring to the World Travel and Tourism Council granting Egypt its ‘Safe Travels Stamp’. The Minister announced that within the coming days, the vaccination of all workers in the tourism sector in the governorates of South Sinai and the Red Sea will be complete.

The event, which marked the announcement of the new AmCham Board of Governors headed by Mr. Tarek Tawfik, as AmCham’s new President, was attended by almost 200 Members and special guests, who were treated to an exclusive tour of the museum and the special mummies display.

AmCham ensured that strict Covid-19 restrictions are in place throughout the event, and that physical distancing is maintained at all times.

This meeting was broadcast live by video conference to all members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. and the MENA Council of Regional AmChams.

During the event, AmCham recognized the generous support of its 2020 Corporate Partners and its ‘All Year Events Sponsors’, who contributed towards the success of its programs, particularly during the past year.