Currently, the major markets for any goods, foreign or domestic, are located in the more urban cities. These cities tend to be those that are densely populated, and in Egypt's case, near ports. Because most of the people of Egypt live along the Nile, businesses in Egypt have come to that area, set up shop, and have thrived in that setting.
In these regions, the transportation appears to be top-notch. From airlines, to railways, there are incredible number of transportation options, all of which seem to be effective modes and all are readily available. With millions of land lines and cellular phones, communications between individuals is quick and easy. Internet is also an efficient method of communication with a large part of the population having internet access.
As the middle class continues to prosper, buying patterns and habits are going to turn in favor of the business. Right now, it seems that Egyptian middle and upper class are buying things at the top of their budget, because they can. Anything value-added, internationally branded, or made of quality material is appealing to these people.
Retail outlets are on the rise in Egypt and account for quite a bit of the selling profits. There are also malls and strip malls throughout the urban areas that cater to any kind of preference known to man. There are American retailers scattered throughout the region and American franchises are also seeing impeccable profits.
With so many citizens have access to the internet, it seems that interactive marketing could be the most efficient method of advertising. When using interactive marketing, the costs are typically leaps and bounds below that of television or radio, and the market reached could potentially be exponentially higher. It is much, much easier for people to "share" an advertisement that they saw online that to try to describe a radio or television commercial.
The United States is at the top of both importing and exporting partners where Egypt is concerned. Financially and monetarily, America helps Egypt tremendously. Because international business is key to Egyptian GDP and because of the relationship that the US has built, Egyptian government is very willing to help generate foreign investment in their country. Import is relatively simple, and taxes and other fees are waived when foreign investors journey to Egypt.
I think that Egypt is a great place for American companies of any kind to consider branching towards. Right now, American companies of all sorts are thriving in the Egyptian culture. There are cities like Cairo and Alexandria that boast luxury living and cater to the wealthy where luxury items and expensive goods will be received with open arms. There are other rural areas where the people don't have access to as much as clean drinking water. This opens up a whole new door of opportunity for new business, especially those involved in charitable organizations, or businesses whose items are less expensive, and more along the lines of being a necessity. The government, the people, and the culture in Egypt seem to call out for foreign investors to choose them. They've struggled under oppression for years and years and now they have the freedom to do as they please. Egypt is heading towards being one of the happiest places on Earth - now American businesses need to supplement that excitement and capitalize on the opportunity!
