Egypt is the heart of the Middle East, the gate to Africa, the influential center of the Arab world, and by its unique site in the junction of three continents and with 77 million population it is considered an important figure in the international trade for itself and for the vast regions it serves. 

The growth of the Egyptian economy
 The Egyptian economy has shown a tremendous degree of growth, it:

• Scored 7.2% in the quarter July-September  2006, compared to 5% for the  same quarter in 2005.
• GDP grew by 6.9% in the financial year ended June 30, 2006 a level not scored since 1980s.
• Foreign revenue increased in 2005 to US$17 billion 54% more than 2004.

The pharmaceutical market in Egypt was valued in 2005 at US $1.94 billion, and as such, it is considered the largest producer of  pharmaceutical products in the region, second only to Turkey.

Healthcare Development:
The medical market is worth $750 million with an annual growth rate of 12%. U.S. market share is estimated at 25%.

The total number of Locally manufactured drugs is 7600 which constitutes 93% of the domestic needs with total value of US$900 million per year.

Egyptian medicines are now exported to 81 countries with export value of US$80 million per year.

The Egyptian government is planning to establish new 50 state hospitals to be completed before the implementation of the new public health insurance scheme in 2010. For the financing of the project the government welcome and encourages the contribution of the private sector

General Data:

• Total number of hospitals is 27,000, of which 1170 are government , other private
• Total number of beds are 152,000, government count for 78,500 , other private
• MOH labor force is 750,000 representing nearly 50% of  physicians, dentists, and nurses, 10% of pharmacists.
  
• Total number of private pharmacies is 20,000 , employing 37,500 pharmacists.
  
• Total primary and secondary healthcare levels facilities are 10,000.

Better climate for investors
Egypt's progress to date has improved its profile in international capital markets. As a result, foreign direct investment (FDI) and inward portfolio flows have risen sharply. Egypt's improvement in an investment climate study, which states that FDI is expected to reach $5.5 billion in 2006. Egypt's stock market is also the most active in the region and was the top performer in 2005
So what does all this mean for Egypt's economic place in the world?  Egypt is becoming a hub for Europe and the Middle East. It enjoys competitive advantages in terms of labor and energy costs and its location on the Mediterranean and the Red seas allows for low transport costs, particularly to Europe. Many manufacturing multinationals have already chosen to establish themselves in Egypt.
Egypt has also signed various trade agreements to reinforce its capacity to market itself as a regional hub. In 2004, it signed the Qualified Industrial Zone Agreement with the U.S. and Israel. Through this agreement, Egyptian textile companies are able to export duty-free to the U.S. as long as 17% of their products have Israeli content. This agreement has resulted in the signing of seven more such agreements.
Egypt is also a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and has an association agreement with the European Union. This calls for the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean free trade zone by 2010. Egypt also has a free trade agreement with Turkey and is currently negotiating a similar one with Russia.