Egypt
Egypt is a key U.S. ally in Africa and the Middle
East. Egypt is the eighth largest market for
agricultural products. In FY 2008, agricultural
exports (excluding forest and fishery products) to
Egypt rose $1.7 billion to $2.2 billion. The
increase is spurred by the growth in sales of corn,
soybeans, and dairy products. Egypt is a leader and
strong supporter in the development and acceptance
of agricultural biotechnology. On March 24, 2008,
the first genetically modified crop, Bt corn, was
approved for domestic planting.
Egypt is actively engaged in the
prevention of avian influenza. The Government of
Egypt, in cooperation with the International
Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza (IPAPI),
hosted an international ministerial conference on
avian and pandemic influenza October 24-26, 2008.
Population: 81,713,517
(July 2008 est.)
GDP per capita: $5,000
Agriculture: 13.8% of GDP
Agriculture Production: cotton, rice, corn,
wheat, beans,
fruits, vegetables; cattle,
water buffalo, sheep,
goats
Major Agricultural Exports: crude oil and
petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal
products, chemicals
Major Agricultural Imports from U.S.: machinery
and
equipment, foodstuffs,
chemicals, wood products, fuels
Economic, Political, and Demographic Information
Crop Explorer (FAS)
Country Profiles and Mapping Information Systems
(Food & Agricultural Organization)
Central Intelligence Agency World Fact Book -
Egypt
U.S. Department of State - U.S. Agency for
International Development FY 2007-2012 Strategic
Plan - select Near East
U.S. Department of State Background Notes -
Egypt
