Last week, Basilinna CEO Deborah Lehr interviewed Egypt’s former Assistant Minister of Investment, and Basilinna Senior Advisor, Ambassador Yasser Elnaggar, about Egypt’s unique position as the only emerging market to see economic growth in 2020 and sectors of opportunity for foreign companies and investors. They also discussed what a new Biden Administration means for relations with Egypt and how those dynamics could impact investors. Finally, the Ambassador provides some advice on how to navigate the opportunities and challenges. The following is a quick recap of the wide-ranging conversation.
Read MoreThe Middle East Institute's latest report highlights the challenges Egypt faces amongst the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it can leverage some of its critical strengths and new opportunities to chart a path towards economic recovery.
Read MoreItems recovered include fossils, paintings, ancient coins, ceramics and jewelry.
Read MoreThis week, we have analysis and insight fatigue with all things COVID-19. This fatigue is one of the lesser-known side effects of this pandemic, and apparently even people in Washington, DC do not have the antibodies to be immune. Even so, the pace of important bilateral developments this week was relentless. Here are a few noteworthy developments summarized below … with limited analysis.
Read MoreThere is so much vitriol directed at China and coming from China over the past couple of weeks. In this Quick Take, we take a look at how wild the rhetoric has become, share some thoughts about what this new low could mean, and about the new risk for businesses to navigate.
Read MoreAs COVID-19 spreads across the Middle East and North Africa, governments have taken steps to try to stem the health and economic impact of the virus including requiring social distancing, establishing curfews, introducing policy, monetary and fiscal relief measures. While anticipating tough times ahead, Egypt is better positioned to handle the ramifications of the virus than most other countries in the region
Read MoreCovid-19 has resulted in more than a deadly pandemic. It has tipped the world economy into its most severe crisis since the Depression. As the virus’s spread slows and governments rebuild, they face another force sweeping in its path: isolationism. The impending battle will pit forces of openness rooted in market principles against those of closure across four dimensions: trade, capital flows, innovation and global institutions.
Read MoreOn April 14th, Basilinna'sr Senior Advisor, Ambassador Yasser Elnaggar, joined a panel hosted by the Washington DC based Middle East Institute, where he serves as a non-resident fellow, that focused on Egypt’s Economy, Citizens, and the Pandemic. There was an excellent exchange, moderated by Mirette F. Mabrouk, Director, Egypt Program, MEI and other panelists Angus Blair, Professor, School of Business, The American University in Cairo and Laila Iskandar, Former Minister for Urban Renewal and Informal Settlements, Egypt.
Read MoreAs a glimmer of hope has appeared in the fight against COVID-19 in the United States as cases start to stabilize in New York, attention is turning to who should pay for the economic harm and loss of life resulting from the spread of the coronavirus. From Capitol Hill to the churches, there are increasing calls for China to take responsibility for the rapid global spread of the virus. The argument is that the world was not prepared for the severity and rapid spread because China withheld scientific information and downplayed the actual numbers of people infected. Here's our latest observations about the growing backlash against China and future implications.
Read MoreWhile there are significant questions around the reliability of China’s numbers both in terms of reporting COVID-19 cases and mortality rates, they are slowly getting back to work. Mostly, the country is back to work and reopening, but consumers are still reluctant to spend because of fears of a downturn or a resurgence with the virus. Here is how we are looking at the numbers this week.
Read MoreSo much is unsettled and unknown right now in this new world of the pandemic; the international community's relationship with China is no exception. China's reputation is subject to as much volatility as the markets. Many of the mechanisms to backstop this reputational volatility are stalled or being politicized. While there are more questions than answers about how China – and the world – will come out of this pandemic, the questions shed light on emerging trends. Here's our latest observations about how China's profile is faring globally.
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