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Egypt
Egypt is both a secular and a religious state
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Egypt is, in a strange way, both a secular and a religious state and it is worth bearing these two important strands in mind on any business trip to the country. It could be said that the Egyptian economy is 'mixed' in two vital, but differing ways.
Firstly, many businesses were nationalised after independence, during the prolonged period of 'Arab socialism' which typified the Egyptian approach in the 1960's and 1970's. The government still plays a vital role in setting both business and macro-economic agendas but the past couple of decades have seen the proliferation of larger-scale private companies which may be locally (usually family) owned or joint-venture operations with overseas conglomerates.
Secondly, companies fall into the category of either Islamic or non-Islamic in orientation. Those companies which are Islamic in orientation will govern their approach to business through the strict interpretation of classical Shari'a law which impacts on such varied issues as attitudes to borrowings, shareholder profile and HR policies.
Before entering into business negotiations in Egypt it is important to do some homework on any potential contacts. Is the company state-owned or private; is it Islamic or secular in approach?
Firstly, many businesses were nationalised after independence, during the prolonged period of 'Arab socialism' which typified the Egyptian approach in the 1960's and 1970's. The government still plays a vital role in setting both business and macro-economic agendas but the past couple of decades have seen the proliferation of larger-scale private companies which may be locally (usually family) owned or joint-venture operations with overseas conglomerates.
Secondly, companies fall into the category of either Islamic or non-Islamic in orientation. Those companies which are Islamic in orientation will govern their approach to business through the strict interpretation of classical Shari'a law which impacts on such varied issues as attitudes to borrowings, shareholder profile and HR policies.
Before entering into business negotiations in Egypt it is important to do some homework on any potential contacts. Is the company state-owned or private; is it Islamic or secular in approach?