The CEBC was launched as a non-governmental organization NGO in May 2002. It is committed to foster growth in business interests between Egypt and Canada as well as to act as an organization that bridges, interacts and communicates with the community of Egyptians-Canadians across Canada.
Egyptian relations flourished in the past 40 years with a number of major Canadian corporations having a presence in the Egyptian market such as Nortel, SNC Lavalin, Four Seasons and Air Canada. Canadian government Organizations such as the Export Development Corporation (EDC) and the Canadian Industrial Development Agency (CIDA) are actively contributing their aid and assistance to the Egyptian economy. In fact, Egypt is the second largest recipient of CIDA’s assistance.
Furthermore, over the past forty years immigration to Canada has led to the establishment of a vibrant educated professional community of Egyptian origin estimated population at 80,000 across the principal cities in Canada.
While this may not appear as large, it is significant when one takes into account that the population of Canada amounts to 33 million and that this immigrant Egyptian population consists primarily of educated professionals. This community of emigrants is now distinguishing itself in various professionals in the fields of education, medicine, engineering, banking and technology. Some individuals have reached leading positions in the Canadian business community and government. We have been informed that this community is well regarded in Canada because of their success in adapting and contributing to the economy in Canada.
The concept of the CEBC as an organization with its objective in mind is therefore a concept long overdue to capitalize on this unique situation thereby differentiating the CEBC from other active chambers.
This implies that while the focus in other chambers and councils has predominantly been on enhancing business, between two countries; the CEBC Board of Directors recognizes that its role transcends the business objective and also offers services to enhance interaction between Egypt and Canada and focuses on acting as a bridge in all fields with the Canadian Egyptians.
It is important for CEBC to act as a catalyst and interact and communicate in the domains of business, tourism, trade, education and culture to transfer the know-how and expertise which we need to develop in Egypt.
The CEBC committees have a leading role to play in preparing position papers and analyzing and giving their recommendations and concerns for their various sectors, it is also their responsibility to share their findings with the business community and government.
