{"id":570086,"date":"2020-03-18T04:21:52","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T04:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/?post_type=issue&#038;p=570086"},"modified":"2025-12-16T07:16:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T07:16:41","slug":"govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis","status":"publish","type":"issue","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"570088\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"570088\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">1<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">What We're Tracking Today<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/what-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020\/\">\r\n                            What we\u2019re tracking on 18 March 2020                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/what-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/what-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/what-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=What we\u2019re tracking on 18 March 2020&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/what-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/what-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020\/&title=What we\u2019re tracking on 18 March 2020\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=What+we%E2%80%99re+tracking+on+18+March+2020+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fegypt%2F2020%2F03%2F18%2Fwhat-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/what-were-tracking-on-18-march-2020\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-570088\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-570088 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-what-were-tracking-today tag-china tag-commodities tag-covid-19 tag-enterpriseam tag-finance tag-financial-markets tag-gold tag-maait tag-tax wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<aside>\t\t\t<div\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"newspack-popup-container newspack-popup hidden  newspack-inline-popup  newspack-lightbox-no-border   \"\r\n\t\t\t\trole=\"button\"\r\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"0\"\r\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"background-color:#FFFFFF;color:#000\"\r\n\t\t\t\tid=\"id_27645\"\r\n\t\t\t\tdata-segments=\"\"\r\n\t\t\t\tdata-frequency=\"0,0,0,month\"\r\n\t\t\t>\r\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-gray-background-color has-background\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef38739e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94bc23d7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"f-graphik\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Together with<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/resources.inktankir.com\/internal\/27482.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27482\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p><strong>Would anyone care to explain how it is not yet Thursday? <\/strong>Time moves simultaneously in slow motion and at the speed of light during weeks like this.<\/p><p>Some (not so) random notes to get us started this morning:<\/p><p><strong>SMART POLICYMAKING #1- The Madbouly government\u2019s initial fiscal response to the <\/strong><strong>threat of <\/strong><strong>covid-19 <\/strong>includes tax breaks to support interest in the EGX, real estate tax relief for businesses, and cuts to energy prices for factories. It\u2019s a good start, and we look forward to hearing more in the days ahead about measures to support the rest of the business community \u2014 support that may be coming as the government says it will fast-track legislation through the House of Representatives. <strong>A good start: Cut dividend taxes for privately owned businesses, too.<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>SMART POLICYMAKING #2- The central bank said on Monday that it will waive interest for <\/strong><strong>private citizens <\/strong>at risk of defaulting on debt of less than EGP 1 mn each.<\/p><p>(We have more on points 1 and 2 in this morning\u2019s Speed Round, below.)<\/p><p><strong>SMART POLICYMAKING #3- Domestic tourism is suspended on the Red Sea and workers <\/strong><strong>in the tourism industry there will be quarantined for 14 days<\/strong> before being allowed to travel home. The decision, handed down by the governor of the Red Sea, applies to workers at hotels, restaurants and bazaars, among others. More <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3b7XjWd\">here<\/a> (including a copy of the decision) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.egyptindependent.com\/red-sea-governor-suspends-domestic-tourism-quarantines-employees-at-resorts-tourist-sites\/&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1584495734307000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFsMqjlbcDYEWFLrj1OdY7YrzJb3g\">here<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>WE WANT TO SEE MORE OF THIS: <\/strong>Grocery chain Oscar has dedicated its first hour of business (8am-9am) <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/33oA5Iw\">exclusively to senior citizens<\/a> so they can shop comfortably and safely. Older people face the highest risk of death from covid-19 if infected. Oscar\u2019s move mirrors steps taken by US grocers H.E.B. and <a href=\"https:\/\/newscenter.dollargeneral.com\/news\/dollar-general-announces-first-hour-of-operations-to-be-dedicated-to-senior-customers.htm\">Dollar Stores<\/a> as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/news.yahoo.com\/grocery-stores-offer-elderly-only-165200673.html\">Iceland<\/a> in the UK and Ireland.<\/p><p><strong>Similarly:<\/strong> Mobile network operators are allowing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/almalnews.com\/%25d8%25b4%25d8%25b1%25d9%2583%25d8%25a7%25d8%25aa-%25d8%25a7%25d9%2584%25d9%2585%25d8%25ad%25d9%2585%25d9%2588%25d9%2584-%25d8%25aa%25d9%2585%25d9%2586%25d8%25b9-%25d8%25a7%25d9%2584%25d8%25aa%25d9%2583%25d8%25af%25d8%25b3-%25d8%25af%25d8%25a7%25d8%25ae%25d9%2584-%25d9%2581%25d8%25b1%25d9%2588%25d8%25b9%25d9%2587%25d8%25a7\/&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1584505354081000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEZciZHwKd30XO_0XS3M0htLDuRGQ\">just one client to enter each branch at any<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/almalnews.com\/%25d8%25b4%25d8%25b1%25d9%2583%25d8%25a7%25d8%25aa-%25d8%25a7%25d9%2584%25d9%2585%25d8%25ad%25d9%2585%25d9%2588%25d9%2584-%25d8%25aa%25d9%2585%25d9%2586%25d8%25b9-%25d8%25a7%25d9%2584%25d8%25aa%25d9%2583%25d8%25af%25d8%25b3-%25d8%25af%25d8%25a7%25d8%25ae%25d9%2584-%25d9%2581%25d8%25b1%25d9%2588%25d8%25b9%25d9%2587%25d8%25a7\/&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1584505354081000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEZciZHwKd30XO_0XS3M0htLDuRGQ\">time<\/a> and are directing clients to (a) reserve their time online or (b) move their transaction entirely online.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><a id=\"tldr-story-02\" class=\"content-anchor\"><\/a><strong> Egypt now has 196 covid-19 cases <\/strong><strong>after 30 more were confirmed yesterday<\/strong>, according to the Health Ministry. All new cases yesterday are Egyptians who came into contact with previously infected people, the <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2QrHPo6\">ministry said<\/a>. Of the 196 total cases, 26 have now fully recovered and been discharged from hospital. Eight others have had a first negative PCR test and are still in hospital under observation.<\/p><p><strong>The MoH also announced two more deaths<\/strong>, both of them people over the age of 70, bringing the total loss of life to six.<\/p><div class=\"stand-out\">\n<p><strong>A NOTE FROM ALL OF US AT ENTERPRISE: With new cases being reported daily, it is inevitable that there will be news (real and invented) of cases at business \u201cX\u201d or business \u201cY\u201d. <\/strong>That happened yesterday as one business reported on its (very responsible, in our view) handling of a case. <strong>We have decided that we will not be covering these reports \u2014 they are of no tangible value to the community. <\/strong> <\/p><\/div><p><strong>Businesses around the country have put in place procedures for what to do when \/ if a customer or client tests positive<\/strong>, including notification to staff and other clients, deep cleaning of facilities, etc. We think the business community has generally stepped up to the plate and shown responsibility this past week by enacting policies to curb the spread of the virus and reporting these policies to the wider public via email and on their websites. We\u2019re not going to get into the tick-tock of who does \/ doesn\u2019t have a case on hand.<\/p><p><strong>The government is actively helping Egyptians get on flights <\/strong>to ensure they\u2019re back home before planes are grounded for two weeks starting at noon this coming Thursday, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/38WyM4P\">a Cabinet statement<\/a>. National flag carrier EgyptAir will put on additional flights until then to accommodate demand.<\/p><p><strong>Egypt won\u2019t be completely sealing off its airspace once it enacts the flight ban<\/strong>, the civil and aviation ministers <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/38UU9Uh\">said yesterday<\/a>. Cargo flights will continue and the government has signalled it will evacuate foreign visitors to Egypt who choose to finish their trips rather than leave by Thursday\u2019s deadline.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><strong>MARKETS TODAY- Mixed.<\/strong> Stocks are up in Japan and China, down in Korea and Hong Kong at dispatch time this morning. Futures point to a mixed open for European markets when they ring the bell later this morning, while the Dow, the Nasdaq and the S&amp;P all look set to open in the red later today. <strong>The EGX30 closed down 2.4% yesterday<\/strong> and mercifully failed to trip circuit breakers as the sell-off cooled for a day.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><strong>The Finance Ministry and Tax Authority want private citizens to complete their tax <\/strong><strong>filings online<\/strong> before the tax season ends this month, <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2Wlroxq\">according to Youm7<\/a>. Individuals will be joining companies, who <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/72e094e2-5cf4-4457-a0a9-bbdebc078fa0\">began<\/a> online tax filings at the start of the year as part of Egypt\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/264efa9e-21cf-463d-9bcd-be3a9b1e9db4\">new unified digital tax payment system<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Other covid-19 news of note here in Egypt:<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>The CBE wants banks to minimize in-person meetings: <\/strong>The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has issued directives that allow for more meetings by conference call or video \u2014 including meetings by bank boards of directors, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shorouknews.com\/news\/view.aspx?cdate=17032020&amp;id=c4f770f0-0f33-49ab-94e2-fdb0fa280419\">Al Shorouk reports<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Cinemas and theatres<\/strong><strong> have been ordered closed until further notice,<\/strong> according to a <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2wj3fg2\">cabinet statement<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>The Environment Ministry <\/strong><strong>is curbing visits to<\/strong> <strong>national parks<\/strong>, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2TVHCvw\">a cabinet<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2TVHCvw\">statement<\/a>. Zoos, meanwhile, are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.youm7.com\/story\/2020\/3\/17\/%25D8%25BA%25D9%2584%25D9%2582-%25D8%25AD%25D8%25AF%25D8%25A7%25D8%25A6%25D9%2582-%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584%25D8%25AD%25D9%258A%25D9%2588%25D8%25A7%25D9%2586-%25D8%25A7%25D8%25B9%25D8%25AA%25D8%25A8%25D8%25A7%25D8%25B1%25D8%25A7-%25D9%2585%25D9%2586-%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584%25D8%25BA%25D8%25AF-%25D9%2584%25D9%2585%25D9%2588%25D8%25A7%25D8%25AC%25D9%2587%25D8%25A9-%25D9%2581%25D9%258A%25D8%25B1%25D9%2588%25D8%25B3-%25D9%2583%25D9%2588%25D8%25B1%25D9%2588%25D9%2586%25D8%25A7-%25D8%25A7%25D8%25B9%25D8%25B1%25D9%2581\/4675320&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1584502230134000&amp;usg=AFQjCNER91x1YLC7qYcRDDcdDfBfpFuIMA\">shutting down<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Government agencies are telling staff to stay home<\/strong> in line with a decree <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/5e3be959-bed1-4caa-867e-cc709c6d62c0\">earlier this week<\/a> to limit the number of employees who show up each day at ministries, government agencies and state-owned companies. Among those announcing measures to keep some of their people home yesterday were the ministries of <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/3d4qKdn\">social solidarity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/almalnews.com\/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A5%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%B4%D9%85%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A7\/\">electricity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/almalnews.com\/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%BA%D8%AF%D8%A7-%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B5-%D8%AA%D8%AE%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B6-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7\/\">labour<\/a>, the <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/39YI0yT\">Suez Canal Authority<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2WsiM8h\">CAPMAS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.almasryalyoum.com\/news\/details\/1627773\">Al-Azhar<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Compensation for seasonal workers:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/39582PS\">The Manpower Ministry has announced<\/a> it will pay EGP 500 to each seasonal worker as compensation for income lost as a result of covid-19.<\/p><p><strong>The Tourism Ministry has ordered a deep cleaning of all hotels <\/strong>during the two-week period starting Thursday that air traffic will be suspended, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shorouknews.com\/news\/view.aspx?cdate=17032020&amp;id=95492a70-c90c-45a6-946c-5a8b2c1b1aaa\">Al Shorouk reports<\/a>. It will also run an awareness campaign for the industry.<\/p><p><strong>The Trade and Ministry will halt exports of rubbing alcohol, its derivative products, and <\/strong><strong>surgical masks <\/strong>for three months to ensure that domestic needs are covered, a <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2Woocku\">cabinet statement said<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"web-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/johns-hopkins-develops-its-own-coronavirus-test\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/Covid-Hebamostafa-1600px.jpg?ssl=1\" alt=\"enterprise\"><\/a><\/p><p><strong>A covid-19 test co-created by an Egyptian doctor will be used to test up to 1k people <\/strong><strong>every day,<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/johns-hopkins-develops-its-own-coronavirus-test\/\">CBS reports<\/a>. Dr. Heba Mostafa, who helped to develop the test with a fellow doctor at Hopkins University, said they are working to shorten the results time to just three hours, filling a vital gap in the US which has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2020\/3\/17\/21184015\/coronavirus-testing-pcr-diagnostic-point-of-care-cdc-techonology\">struggled to test widely for the virus<\/a>.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><strong>*** PSA: Our webinar on how to work remotely, which was scheduled to take place <\/strong><strong>tomorrow, 19 March at 2 pm CLT, has been postponed.<\/strong> We\u2019re all fine here, just completely overloaded at both Enterprise and Inktank at the moment. We\u2019ll have a new date for all of you very soon. Those who had registered should have received an email from us yesterday.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><strong>WHAT\u2019S HAPPENING AROUND THE WORLD: With pundits declaring a global recession a <\/strong><strong>certainty (the issue is, for how long?), the task at hand now is to ward off a <\/strong><strong>depression:<\/strong> Markets have yet to price in a full-on depression, but investors and economists appear to see the \u201cD-word\u201d as increasingly likely as the fallout from the covid-19 outbreak continues to widen, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/uk-health-coronavirus-stocks-economy-usa\/d-word-rears-head-as-coronavirus-hit-markets-brace-for-recession-idUSKBN2140IA\">Reuters says<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Fortress Europe: <\/strong>EU leaders yesterday banned foreign nationals from entering the bloc for 30 days as covid-19 cases continued to rise, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2020-03-17\/europe-closes-its-borders-in-last-ditch-attempt-to-stop-virus?sref=mmeFTDW1\">Bloomberg reports<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Fortress America: <\/strong>Canada and the US are expected to announce an agreement today to close their border to non-essential travel, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/canada\/article-canada-us-to-close-border-to-non-essential-travel\/\">Globe &amp; Mail<\/a> reports.<\/p><p><strong>Iran has warned that mns of its citizens may die from covid-19 <\/strong>\u201cif people keep traveling and ignore health guidance, the <a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/6e92d93551ee6c6ae51d0acaaad9eb32\">Associated Press reports<\/a>. The country has reported 988 deaths and some 16,000 cases since the outbreak began.<\/p><p><strong>The US is looking at handing out cash to every citizen:<\/strong> The Trump administration is proposing an unprecedented USD 1 tn stimulus plan, half of which would either be handed directly to individuals or given out as tax cuts, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2020\/03\/17\/mnuchin-says-trump-administration-is-looking-to-get-cash-to-americans-immediately.html\">CNBC reports<\/a>. An official said the rescue package would see USD 500-550 bn dispersed in direct payments or tax cuts, USD 200-300 bn given to small businesses and USD 50-100 bn allocated to help bail out airlines and industry.<\/p><p><strong>The Fed announced a facility to purchase commercial paper:<\/strong> In a bid to supply much-needed liquidity to businesses, the Federal Reserve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalreserve.gov\/newsevents\/pressreleases\/monetary20200317a.htm\">has relaunched a 2008-era facility<\/a> that will see it purchase short-term unsecured and asset-backed debt.<\/p><p><strong>Italy, Spain, France have placed restrictions on short selling <\/strong>in a bid to reduce market volatility, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2020\/03\/17\/short-selling-bans-sweep-europe-in-hope-of-stemming-stock-market-bleeding.html\">CNBC reports<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>The UK announced a new GBP 350 bn support package for businesses and individuals in <\/strong><strong>financial difficulty.<\/strong> Loans worth GBP 330 bn will be extended to businesses and individuals, GBP 20 bn will be given to businesses making losses because of the virus, and mortgage payments will be suspended for people facing financial difficulties, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-51933410\">the BBC says<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Chinese authorities have greenlit the start of clinical trials on its first vaccine to combat <\/strong><strong>covid-19<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-health-coronavirus-china-vaccine\/china-approves-coronavirus-vaccine-for-clinical-trials-state-media-idUSKBN2141TI\">Reuters reports<\/a>\/<\/p><p><strong>The Euro 2020 football championship has been postponed<\/strong> to 2021, <a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/6644250c176312c736b8dd9ebec76c51\">the Associated Press<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/6644250c176312c736b8dd9ebec76c51\">reports<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>Hotel group Marriott will be placing tens of thousands of staffers on unpaid leave<\/strong>, as the covid-19 outbreak continues to devastate bookings, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/df2ed112-6878-11ea-800d-da70cff6e4d3\">Financial Times reports<\/a>.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><strong>The IMF needs to help emerging markets weather the storm:<\/strong> With emerging markets in a more vulnerable position, the IMF should expand its allocation of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imf.org\/external\/np\/exr\/faq\/sdrallocfaqs.htm#q2\">special drawing rights<\/a> (SDRs) to member countries, allowing them to receive more of an artificial currency that can be exchanged for the basket of currencies it represents, Marcos Buscaglia writes in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/3375da16-f739-4d09-981b-67de10ad5ba2\">an opinion piece for the Financial Times<\/a>. While not currencies in themselves, SDRs are held by the fund\u2019s member countries as a way to hedge against their reliance on costly debt to build up stocks of foreign reserves. They are made of unequal parts USD, EUR, RMB, JPY, and GBP. An SDR expansion similar to that of 2008 is essential to help economies less able to boost asset purchases and liquidity funding to do so, Buscaglia says.<\/p><p><strong>Is covid-19 going to re-shape the global economy for years to come? <\/strong>Renewable energy will be set back by a decade by having to compete with cheaper fossil fuels, universities may face an existential challenge, China\u2019s dominance in manufacturing is likely to dissipate while Africa\u2019s star may ascend, predicts <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/crisis-means-a-new-business-era-11584313927?mod=searchresults&amp;page=1&amp;pos=8\">Andy Kessler in the Wall Street Journal<\/a>. Tech will of course continue to be a transformative force, he believes, with all kinds of businesses being shaped by AI systems and the developing world poised to benefit from productivity improvements to attract increasing levels of investment.<\/p><p class=\"web-image stand-out-borderless\"><a href=\"http:\/\/somabay.com\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/Jetty-Web-1.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"enterprise\"><\/a><\/p><p><strong>COVID TIP OF THE DAY: How to ride out the financial crisis. <\/strong>This round-up of thoughts seasoned investors by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2020\/03\/15\/smarter-living\/corona-stock-market-tips-dealing-with-financial-crash-crisis.html?algo=bandit-home&amp;fellback=false&amp;imp_id=737817945&amp;imp_id=667460696&amp;action=click&amp;module=Smarter%20Living&amp;pgtype=Homepage\">the New York Times<\/a> has some advice for newbies. The highlights? Don\u2019t be too driven by emotion, make rash decisions, or stay glued to every single new development. Remember that businesses are still running and the world is still operating, but do start preparing calmly for an uncertain job market and possible future job search.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><strong>Egypt\u2019s GERD tour continues: <\/strong>Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is resuming his tour to rally support from African leaders in light of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute, <a href=\"http:\/\/english.ahram.org.eg\/NewsContent\/1\/64\/365409\/Egypt\/Politics-\/Shoukry-to-embark-on-African-tour-Tuesday.aspx\">according to Ahram Online<\/a>. Shoukry landed in Burundi yesterday and is planning to head to South Africa, Tanzania, DR Congo, South Sudan, Niger, and Rwanda next. <strong>This came as Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta <\/strong><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2QpZxbw\">signalled support for Egypt<\/a><\/strong> during a meeting with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Cairo yesterday. Foreign ministry officials <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/92c61687-b257-4f69-ad84-a833bf6d9e2c\">this week visited<\/a> Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania after Shoukry toured several European and Arab capitals in search of diplomatic backing.<\/p><hr class=\"grey-line\"><p><strong>Amidst all the craziness, it\u2019s easy to forget that primary season is still underway in the <\/strong><strong>US of A:<\/strong> Joe Biden looks to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2020\/03\/17\/us\/politics\/march-17-democratic-primary.html?action=click&amp;module=Top%20Stories&amp;pgtype=Homepage\">building up an insurmountable delegate lead<\/a> in the Democratic primary race after sweeping the three primaries yesterday. The former vice president looks to have taken the lion's share of the delegates in Florida, Illinois and Arizona, leaving progressive rival Bernie Sanders with the increasingly impossible task of acquiring a delegate majority.<\/p><p class=\"web-image\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/1\/Web-view-01.jpg?ssl=1\" alt=\"enterprise\"><\/p><p><strong>*** It\u2019s Hardhat day \u2014 your weekly briefing of all things infrastructure in Egypt:<\/strong> Enterprise\u2019s industry vertical focuses each Wednesday on infrastructure, covering everything from energy, water, transportation, urban development and even social infrastructure such as health and education.<\/p><p><strong>In today\u2019s issue:<\/strong> We look at Egypt\u2019s rainwater infrastructure after the damage wreaked by last week\u2019s \u201cdragon storm,\u201d what it would take to get our infrastructure in shape to handle future weather events caused by climate change \u2014 and how economically feasible this all is.<\/p>\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/china\/\">China<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/commodities\/\">commodities<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/covid-19\/\">covid-19<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/finance\/\">Finance<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/financial-markets\/\">Financial Markets<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/gold\/\">gold<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/maait\/\">Maait<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/tax\/\">tax<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570089\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">      \r\n<section id=\"advertiser\" class=\"enterprise-adv issue-section\">\r\n    <div class=\"issue-section__content\" style=\"flex-direction: column;\">\r\n  \r\n                <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">\r\n                <span class=\"has-primary-color stk-highlight\">This publication is proudly sponsored by<\/span><\/h4>\r\n                \r\n\r\n                \r\n                <div class=\"wp-block-stackable-carousel alignwide stk-block-carousel stk--is-slide stk--infinite-scroll stk--arrows-justify-space-between stk--arrows-align-center stk-block stk-a38cfb2 sponsor-slider-container mb-0\" data-slides-to-show=\"3\" data-block-id=\"a38cfb2\"><style>.stk-a38cfb2 {--slides-to-show:3 !important;}.stk-a38cfb2 .stk-block-carousel__button{background:#00000099 !important;fill:#FFFFFF !important;border-radius:4px !important;}.stk-a38cfb2 .stk-block-carousel__button svg.ugb-custom-icon :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:#FFFFFF !important;}<\/style>\r\n                <div class=\"stk-block-carousel__content-wrapper\">\r\n                <div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block-carousel__slider-wrapper stk-content-align stk-a38cfb2-column alignwide\">\r\n                <div class=\"stk-block-carousel__slider\" role=\"list\" data-autoplay=\"4000\" data-label-slide-of=\"Slide %%d of %%d\">\r\n            <div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-46c5f99\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"46c5f99\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-46c5f99-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-46c5f99-inner-blocks\">\r\n            <div class=\"issue-sponsor-slide\">\r\n                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/internal\/240922.png?ssl=1\">\r\n                <div class=\"overlay\"><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"content\">\r\n                    <a draggable=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hsbc.com.eg\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"logo\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/27489.svg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                    <\/a>\r\n                    <span>Opening up a world of opportunity<\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n        \r\n            <div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9kxs16k\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9kxs16k\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9kxs16k-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9kxs16k-inner-blocks\">\r\n            <div class=\"issue-sponsor-slide\">\r\n                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/internal\/240923.png?ssl=1\">\r\n                <div class=\"overlay\"><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"content\">\r\n                    <a draggable=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/efghldg.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"logo\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/27488.svg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                    <\/a>\r\n                    <span>Realize More<\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n        \r\n            <div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-co3701r\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"co3701r\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-co3701r-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-co3701r-inner-blocks\">\r\n            <div class=\"issue-sponsor-slide\">\r\n                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/internal\/240924.png?ssl=1\">\r\n                <div class=\"overlay\"><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"content\">\r\n                    <a draggable=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sodic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"logo\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/27487.svg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                    <\/a>\r\n                    <span>Live More<\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n        \r\n            <div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3yl7f9c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3yl7f9c\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3yl7f9c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3yl7f9c-inner-blocks\">\r\n            <div class=\"issue-sponsor-slide\">\r\n                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/internal\/240925.png?ssl=1\">\r\n                <div class=\"overlay\"><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"content\">\r\n                    <a draggable=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/weareinfinity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"logo\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/internal\/27483.png?fit=300%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\">\r\n                    <\/a>\r\n                    <span>Powering with nature<\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n        \r\n            <div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-7ufnkmp\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"7ufnkmp\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-7ufnkmp-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7ufnkmp-inner-blocks\">\r\n            <div class=\"issue-sponsor-slide\">\r\n                <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/internal\/240926.jpg?ssl=1\">\r\n                <div class=\"overlay\"><\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"content\">\r\n                    <a draggable=\"false\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qalaaholdings.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"logo\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/110691.svg\" alt=\"\">\r\n                    <\/a>\r\n                    <span>Driving growth<\/span>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n        <\/div><div class=\"stk-block-carousel__buttons\"><button class=\"stk-block-carousel__button stk-block-carousel__button__prev\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-left\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-left\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M34.52 239.03L228.87 44.69c9.37-9.37 24.57-9.37 33.94 0l22.67 22.67c9.36 9.36 9.37 24.52.04 33.9L131.49 256l154.02 154.75c9.34 9.38 9.32 24.54-.04 33.9l-22.67 22.67c-9.37 9.37-24.57 9.37-33.94 0L34.52 272.97c-9.37-9.37-9.37-24.57 0-33.94z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><button class=\"stk-block-carousel__button stk-block-carousel__button__next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-right\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-right\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M285.476 272.971L91.132 467.314c-9.373 9.373-24.569 9.373-33.941 0l-22.667-22.667c-9.357-9.357-9.375-24.522-.04-33.901L188.505 256 34.484 101.255c-9.335-9.379-9.317-24.544.04-33.901l22.667-22.667c9.373-9.373 24.569-9.373 33.941 0L285.475 239.03c9.373 9.372 9.373 24.568.001 33.941z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"stk-block-carousel__dots\" role=\"list\" data-label=\"Slide %%d\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n<\/section> \r\n\r\n\n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570090\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"570090\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">2<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">Enterprise+: Last Night\u2019s Talk Shows<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/covid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows\/\">\r\n                            Covid-19 outbreak measures still top story on talk shows                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/covid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/covid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/covid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Covid-19 outbreak measures still top story on talk shows&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/covid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/covid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows\/&title=Covid-19 outbreak measures still top story on talk shows\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Covid-19+outbreak+measures+still+top+story+on+talk+shows+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fegypt%2F2020%2F03%2F18%2Fcovid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/covid-19-outbreak-measures-still-top-story-on-talk-shows\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-570090\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-570090 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-enterprise-last-nights-talk-shows tag-capital-markets tag-covid-19 tag-culture tag-enterprise-last-nights-talk-shows tag-enterpriseam tag-film tag-trade wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p><strong>The talking heads were back last night with the daily covid-19 update:<\/strong> Min Masr\u2019s Amr Khalil covered the Health Ministry's announcement of 30 new cases yesterday, which we re-cap in this morning\u2019s What We\u2019re Tracking Today, above <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Z4urf6uDA90\">(watch, runtime: 1:51)<\/a>, Masaa DMC\u2019s Ramy Radwan ran a more detailed report, covering the two latest deaths <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Rt-Nx4Bp4vs\">(watch, runtime: 11:32)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fresh government stimulus to bolster economy amid virus outbreak:<\/strong> Al Hayah Al Youm's Lobna Assal covered the government\u2019s latest efforts to soften the blow of the virus on the Egyptian economy by cutting energy costs for industry and reducing the tax burden for EGX investors <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wk2pD_3SAvk\">(watch, runtime: 2:22)<\/a>. Min Masr\u2019s Reham Ibrahim, speaking by phone with Federation of Industries board member Mohamed El Bahei, carried the same report <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=GZz4pLkuHmY\">(watch, runtime: 9:24)<\/a>. <strong>We go into detail on the announcement in this morning's Speed Round, below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>New preventative measures against the spread of the covid-19 virus:<\/strong> Assal also covered the new measures taken by the government to contain the spread of the virus, including reducing staff at government agencies for the next 15 days <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jc_j-v9Iwno\">(watch, runtime: 2:43)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Three-month export ban on rubbing alcohol, surgical masks:<\/strong> Assal mentioned the trade and industry minister\u2019s decision to stop exporting all rubbing alcohol products and surgical masks for three months from the date of their production to ensure there is sufficient supply for domestic needs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=946umuXVwxs&t=17s\">(watch, runtime: 4:07)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>No more cinema, theatre outings: <\/strong>Min Masr\u2019s Reham Ibrahim covered the cabinet\u2019s decision to suspend all shows in cinemas, theatres and festivals until further notice <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6JsOcRpqnYk\">(watch, runtime: 0:57)<\/a>. Assal had the same report <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2lFMWAQRjOs\">(watch, runtime: 3:41)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Relief for inclement weather:<\/strong> Yahduth Fi Misr\u2019s Sherif Amer spoke by phone with presidential spokesman Bassam Rady to cover the presidential initiatives to compensate those adversely affected by the severe weather conditions of last weekend\u2019s \u2018dragon storm.\u2019 Rady confirmed that the weather cost the power sector around EGP 400 mn and the transport sector some EGP 100 mn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=D8oddGIk1I4\">(watch, runtime: 4:41)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/capital-markets\/\">capital markets<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/covid-19\/\">covid-19<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/culture\/\">culture<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/enterprise-last-nights-talk-shows\/\">Enterprise+: Last Night\u2019s Talk Shows<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/film\/\">film<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/trade\/\">trade<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570091\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"570091\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">3<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">Speed Round<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/\">\r\n                            Gov\u2019t cuts EGX taxes, energy prices to support businesses through covid-19 outbreak                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Gov\u2019t cuts EGX taxes, energy prices to support businesses through covid-19 outbreak&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/&title=Gov\u2019t cuts EGX taxes, energy prices to support businesses through covid-19 outbreak\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Gov%E2%80%99t+cuts+EGX+taxes%2C+energy+prices+to+support+businesses+through+covid-19+outbreak+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fegypt%2F2020%2F03%2F18%2Fgovt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/211.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"570092\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/govt-cuts-egx-taxes-energy-prices-to-support-businesses-through-covid-19-outbreak\/211-jpg-13\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/211.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"211.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/211.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/211.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-570091\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-570091 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-speed-round tag-covid-19 tag-dividends tag-egx tag-electricity tag-energy tag-enterpriseam tag-equities tag-industry tag-legislation tag-real-estate-tax tag-speed-round tag-stamp-tax tag-tax tag-tourism wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p><a class=\"content-anchor\" id=\"tldr-story-01\"><\/a> <strong>Gov\u2019t c<\/strong><strong>uts<\/strong><strong> EGX taxes, energy prices to support businesses through covid-19 outbreak:<\/strong> The government <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/38XXZMj\">has announced a package of fiscal measures<\/a> to help support the economy and financial markets as it braces against the impact of the covid-19 outbreak. Industrial companies will receive relief in the form of lower energy and tax costs, and equity investors will be granted generous breaks to taxes on dividend and stamp duty.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Taxes on EGX transactions slashed to support equity investors:<\/strong> The government has moved to sharply cut the tax burden on EGX investors in a bid to shore up demand in the equity markets, which have fallen precipitously in the wake of the virus outbreak. The moves include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Stamp tax cuts:<\/strong> Foreign investors will pay stamp tax on EGX transactions at a reduced rate of 0.125%, instead of 0.15%. Residents will pay just 0.05% stamp tax, down from 0.15%. All spot transactions on the EGX will also be made exempt from stamp tax.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capital gains tax postponed for two years:<\/strong> Capital gains tax on EGX transactions will be reintroduced on 1 January 2022, and <strong>foreign investors will be made permanently exempt<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tax on dividends cut in half:<\/strong> Investors will now pay a withholding tax of 5% on dividend payouts from listed companies, down from 10% previously.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Real estate tax relief:<\/strong> Companies operating in the industrial and tourism sectors will receive a three-month real estate tax holiday and will be permitted to repay existing real estate tax liabilities in monthly installments over the next six months.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lower energy costs for factories:<\/strong> The government has lowered the price of natural gas for the entire industrial sector to USD 4.50 \/ mmBtu. This will mean a 25% price cut for cement companies which were paying USD 6.00 \/ mmBtu, and an 18% cut for metallurgy and ceramic manufacturers which were paying USD 5.50 \/ mmBtu. The price of electricity per kWh was also lowered by 10 piasters for medium, high and ultra-high voltages, and will be frozen for the next 3-5 years. <a href=\"https:\/\/alborsaanews.com\/2020\/03\/17\/1308712\">Government sources said<\/a> the electricity price cuts could cost around EGP 6 bn alone.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Government to pay out EGP 1 bn in arrears by the end of April:<\/strong> The Export Subsidy Fund will pay out the entire EGP 1 bn in arrears during March and April and the 10% in cash payments during June. The fund <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/8dd76eed-31e4-4813-8243-3fd481f7ce44\">began paying out the arrears at the beginning of this month<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legislation on the fast track:<\/strong> The government and the House of Representatives will work to fast-track <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.press\/stories\/2019\/11\/18\/draft-smes-act-gets-early-nod-from-house-committee-6472\/\">the SMEs Act<\/a> and the amendments to the Real Estate Tax Act, as well as the auto incentives strategy. The House SMEs committee is currently <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.press\/stories\/2019\/12\/31\/house-committee-to-wrap-up-egypts-new-smes-act-in-march-9414\/\">expected to finish its review of the SMEs Act this month<\/a>, and the real estate tax amendments <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/ce8b3c30-61d1-461a-b78b-21ac80046779\">were approved by the cabinet in January<\/a>. The cabinet <a href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\/news\/story\/6bd36341-d6ce-4392-a88a-095b88199fe2\">last week greenlit the auto strategy<\/a> although we remain none the wiser about what it entails.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The business community broadly welcomed the measures<\/strong>, but industry associations and other lobby groups are asking for more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lower gas prices to boost exports?<\/strong> Mohamed Saad El Din, chairman of the Gas Investors Association, <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2TZwxJV\">said the decision to cut gas prices<\/a> will increase the competitiveness of Egyptian products and increase exports. <a href=\"https:\/\/alborsaanews.com\/2020\/03\/17\/1308678\">Other industry association figures<\/a> said the price cuts, while welcome, were a necessity even in the absence of covid-19. Hassan El Marakby, chairman of El Marakby Steel, said prices need ot hit USD 2.50-3.00 \/ mmBtu if companies are to withstand the crisis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Industry associations want the government to permanently scrap real estate taxes for <\/strong><strong>factories. <\/strong>Mohamed Khamis Shaaban, head of the Sixth of October Investors Association, said the announcement was \u201cnot encouraging\u201d and urged the government to abolish the tax for factories. Magd El Manzalawi, head of the industry committee at the Egyptian Businessmen\u2019s Association, also called for its removal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Companies in the tourism sector have <\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/alborsaanews.com\/2020\/03\/17\/1308780\">welcomed the temporary real estate tax<\/a><\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/alborsaanews.com\/2020\/03\/17\/1308780\">suspension<\/a><\/strong> and are lobbying for a VAT holiday. Elhamy El Zayat, former president of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, said the state should consider <strong>bringing back its industry support fund<\/strong> to provide liquidity to struggling companies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exporters want more than just subsidy arrears: <\/strong>Former Export Council for Agricultural Crops head Sherif El Beltagy says payment of arrears by its will not help exporters overcome headwinds that include spiraling shipping costs.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/covid-19\/\">covid-19<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/dividends\/\">Dividends<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/egx\/\">EGX<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/electricity\/\">electricity<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/energy\/\">energy<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/equities\/\">equities<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/industry\/\">industry<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/legislation\/\">legislation<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/real-estate-tax\/\">real estate tax<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/speed-round\/\">SPEED ROUND<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/stamp-tax\/\">stamp tax<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/tax\/\">tax<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/tourism\/\">tourism<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570100\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570101\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"570101\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">4<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">EGYPT IN THE NEWS<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/egypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020\/\">\r\n                            Egypt in the News on 18 March 2020                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/egypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/egypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/egypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Egypt in the News on 18 March 2020&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/egypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/egypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020\/&title=Egypt in the News on 18 March 2020\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Egypt+in+the+News+on+18+March+2020+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fegypt%2F2020%2F03%2F18%2Fegypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/egypt-in-the-news-on-18-march-2020\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-570101\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-570101 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-egypt-in-the-news tag-diplomacy tag-egypt-in-the-news tag-enterpriseam tag-gerd tag-human-rights tag-human-rights-watch tag-tourism tag-water wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p><strong>Covid-19 is \u2014 unsurprisingly \u2014 once again making an appearance in the foreign press:<\/strong> This morning it\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/2020\/03\/17\/sisi-and-erdogan-are-partners-with-the-coronavirus\/\">Foreign Policy<\/a>, which has a particularly ominous prognosis on how Egypt may handle a full-blown outbreak. Of all the countries in the Middle East \u201cEgypt is the most worrisome in a coronavirus crisis,\u201d Steven Cook writes, noting Cairo\u2019s densely populated conurbations, the country\u2019s \u201cfragile\u201d public healthcare system (and the private sector\u2019s poor positioning to plug the gaps), and the broad distrust of government policy among Egyptian citizens.<\/p>\n<p>Also getting attention in the foreign press:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Interim GERD agreement to resolve deadlock?<\/strong> Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan should establish an interim GERD agreement spanning the first two years of filling the dam\u2019s reservoir, to allow time for the more protracted negotiations needed to reach a comprehensive settlement, <a href=\"https:\/\/allafrica.com\/stories\/202003170003.html\">International Crisis Group argues<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Human Rights Watch has <\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2020\/03\/16\/coronavirus-egypts-prisons-could-spare-disaster-conditional-releases\">called for conditional releases<\/a><\/strong><strong> of \u201cunfairly detained\u201d<\/strong> <strong>inmates in Egypt<\/strong> to prevent an outbreak of covid-19 in overcrowded prisons.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Egypt\u2019s reopening of the 4,700-year-old Djoser pyramid in Saqqara could hardly<\/strong><strong> have come at a worse time<\/strong>, with tourist numbers at a low thanks to the covid-19 pandemic, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.al-monitor.com\/pulse\/originals\/2020\/03\/egypts-reopen-oldest-pyramid.html#ixzz6GvuSjDcE\">Al Monitor<\/a> reports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/diplomacy\/\">DIPLOMACY<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/egypt-in-the-news\/\">Egypt in the News<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/gerd\/\">GERD<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/human-rights\/\">human rights<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/human-rights-watch\/\">Human Rights Watch<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/tourism\/\">tourism<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/water\/\">water<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570102\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"570102\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">5<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">Worth watching<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/\">\r\n                            Here\u2019s why viruses love wet markets                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=Here\u2019s why viruses love wet markets&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/&title=Here\u2019s why viruses love wet markets\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Here%E2%80%99s+why+viruses+love+wet+markets+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fegypt%2F2020%2F03%2F18%2Fheres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/213.jpg?fit=1568%2C9999&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-attachment-id=\"570103\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/heres-why-viruses-love-wet-markets\/213-jpg-10\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/213.jpg?fit=%2C&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"[]\" data-image-title=\"213.jpg\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/213.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/213.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" \/>                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-570102\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-570102 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-worth-watching tag-china tag-covid-19 tag-enterpriseam tag-worth-watching wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p><a class=\"content-anchor\" id=\"tldr-story-06\"><\/a> <strong>Are you losing perspective as alarms \u2014 some more valid than others \u2014 continue to sound over<\/strong><strong> the global covid-19 outbreak?<\/strong> This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TPpoJGYlW54\">Vox video (watch, runtime: 8:48)<\/a> takes you back to the beginning late last year, reminding you of how and where it all began, contrasting the speed of its dissemination and scale of its impact with previous iterations of covid (like SARS) and crucially, investigating why these viruses originated in wet markets such as those in China. It looks at how these pathogens jump from one animal host to another, and eventually humans. Lax hygiene measures and policies on wildlife farming and trade are key triggers. Watch and weep.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/china\/\">China<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/covid-19\/\">covid-19<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/worth-watching\/\">worth watching<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570107\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"570107\">\r\n            \r\n                <div class=\"issue-story-header text-center\">\r\n                    <div class=\"index-number\">6<\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <p class=\"f-graphik\">The Market Yesterday<\/p>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"story-title\">\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/the-market-yesterday-53\/\">\r\n                            The Market Yesterday                        <\/a>\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n\r\n                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"cta__btn share-dropdown-cta dropdown-toggle-btn\" style=\"position:relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/408834.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        Share Story\n        <!-- Dropdown Menu -->\n        <ul class=\"share-menu\">\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/the-market-yesterday-53\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    Open in new tab                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/new-tab.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); navigator.clipboard.writeText('https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/the-market-yesterday-53\/')\">\n                    Copy Link                <\/a>\n\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/the-market-yesterday-53\/\">\n                    Facebook                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/facebook-icon2.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/post?text=The Market Yesterday&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/the-market-yesterday-53\/\">\n                    X                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/twitter-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/the-market-yesterday-53\/&title=The Market Yesterday\">\n                    LinkedIn                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/linkedin-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n            <li class=\"list-inline-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?text=The+Market+Yesterday+https%3A%2F%2Fenterpriseam.com%2Fegypt%2F2020%2F03%2F18%2Fthe-market-yesterday-53%2F\">\n                    WhatsApp                    <!-- <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"assets\/media\/placeholder\/svg\/whatsapp-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"> -->\n                <\/a>\n            <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\r\n                    \r\n                <\/div>\r\n\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/the-market-yesterday-53\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-570107\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-570107 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-the-market-yesterday tag-enterpriseam tag-the-market-yesterday wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p><p><strong>EGP \/ USD CBE market average: <\/strong>Buy 15.68 | Sell 15.81<\/p>\n<p> <strong>EGP \/ USD at CIB:<\/strong> Buy 15.70 | Sell 15.80<br \/>\n <strong>EGP \/ USD at NBE: <\/strong>Buy 15.68 | Sell 15.78<\/p>\n<p><strong>EGX30<\/strong> (Tuesday): 9,202 (-2.4%)<br \/>\n <strong>Turnover:<\/strong> EGP 552 mn (7% below the 90-day average)<br \/>\n <strong>EGX 30 year-to-date<\/strong>: -34.1%<\/p>\n<p><strong>THE MARKET ON TUESDAY:<\/strong> The EGX30 ended Tuesday\u2019s session down 2.4%. CIB, the index\u2019s heaviest constituent, ended up 0.9%. EGX30\u2019s top performing constituents were CIB up 0.9%, Eastern Company up 0.9%, and Credit Agricole up 0.8%. Yesterday\u2019s worst performing stocks were Egyptian Resorts down 10.0%, EFG Hermes down 10.0% and Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals down 9.8%. The market turnover was EGP 552 mn, and local investors were the sole net buyers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Foreigners<\/strong>: Net short | EGP -20.3 mn<br \/>\n <strong>Regional<\/strong>: Net short | EGP -34.4 mn<br \/>\n <strong>Domestic<\/strong>: Net long | EGP +54.7 mn<\/p>\n<p><strong>Retail<\/strong>: 54.1% of total trades | 54.1% of buyers | 54.1% of sellers<br \/>\n <strong>Institutions<\/strong>: 45.9% of total trades | 45.9% of buyers | 45.9% of sellers<\/p>\n<p><strong>WTI:<\/strong> USD 29.96 (+0.04%)<br \/>\n <strong>Brent:<\/strong> USD 28.96 (+0.80%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Natural Gas<\/strong> (Nymex, futures prices) USD 1.70 MMBtu, (-1.62%, April 2020 contract)<br \/>\n <strong>Gold:<\/strong> USD 1,534.50 \/ troy ounce (+0.57%)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TASI:<\/strong> 6,107 (+2.47%) (YTD: -27.20%)<br \/>\n <strong>ADX:<\/strong> 3,323 (-6.33%) (YTD: -34.53%)<br \/>\n <strong>DFM:<\/strong> 1,750 (-4.98%) (YTD: -36.68%)<br \/>\n <strong>KSE Premier Market:<\/strong> 4,707 (+0.99%)<br \/>\n <strong>QE:<\/strong> 8,521 (+1.06%) (YTD: -18.27%)<br \/>\n <strong>MSM:<\/strong> 3,660 (-0.58%) (YTD: -8.06%)<br \/>\n <strong>BB: <\/strong>1,379 (-1.13%) (YTD: -14.33%)<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n    <div class=\"tags-section\">\n        <div class=\"f-graphik\">Tags:<\/div>\n        <div class=\"tags-list\">\n                            <a rel=\"tag\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/tag\/the-market-yesterday\/\">The Market Yesterday<\/a>\n                <!-- <span class=\"sep\">,&nbsp;<\/span> -->\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"570108\" class=\"issue-section \">\n<div class=\"issue-section__content\">\n<div class=\"stories\">            <!-- Show divider before story section -->\r\n        <div \r\n            class=\"\r\n                story-section            \"\r\n            id=\"calendar\">\r\n            \r\n            <div class=\"story__body\">\r\n\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2020\/03\/18\/570108\/\">\r\n                    <div class=\"photo photo--above\">\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/a>\r\n\r\n                \n<article id=\"post-570108\" class=\"content-area-description single-story post-570108 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-calendar wpautop entry\">\n\n\t\t\t<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-primary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-primary-background-color has-background is-style-wide\">\n\n\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mt-0 has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px\">\n\t\t\t<strong> CALENDAR<\/strong>\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p>March: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2RMVwyZ\">South Korean business delegation to visit Egypt<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>March: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.menafatf.org\/about\">The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force<\/a> (MENAFATF) <a href=\"https:\/\/almalnews.com\/%d9%85%d8%ac%d9%85%d9%88%d8%b9%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%85%d9%84-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%8a-%d8%aa%d8%b2%d9%88%d8%b1-%d9%85%d8%b5%d8%b1-%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%b3-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d9%82\/\">will visit<\/a> Egypt to assess the progress of actions taken to combat money laundering and terrorist-sponsoring activities.<\/p>\n<p>March: The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry is sending <a href=\"https:\/\/alborsaanews.com\/2020\/02\/25\/1300124\">10 French companies<\/a> to Egypt to promote French tourists to visit.<\/p>\n<p>26 March (Thursday): <a href=\"https:\/\/almalnews.com\/%d8%aa%d8%a3%d8%ac%d9%8a%d9%84-%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%88%d9%89-%d8%b4%d8%b1%d9%83%d8%a9-%d8%b3%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%b6%d8%af-%d8%a8%d9%88%d8%b1%d8%aa%d9%88-%d8%ac%d8%b1%d9%88%d8%a8-%d8%a5%d9%84%d9%89\/\">Court session<\/a> for Amer Group, Porto Group lawsuit against Antaradous.<\/p>\n<p>2 April (Thursday): The CBE\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to review interest rates.<\/p>\n<p>2-4 April (Thursday- Saturday): Global Forum for Higher Education and Scientific Research (<a href=\"https:\/\/menafn.com\/1099821661\/Egypt-Higher-Education-Ministry-prepares-for-GFHS2020-for-scientific-research\">GFHS2020<\/a>) under the theme \u201cFuture in Action\u201d, new administrative capital, Egypt.<\/p>\n<p>12 April (Sunday): Easter Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>12 April (Sunday): <a href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2020\/2\/240116_1.pdf\">Court session for Amer Group<\/a>, Porto Group compensation claim against Antaradous.<\/p>\n<p>17-19 April (Friday-Sunday): IMF, World Bank hold Spring Meetings.<\/p>\n<p>18 April (Saturday): One half of renowned duo 2CELLOS, Stjepan Hauser, known simply as Hauser, will be performing his only show in Egypt and it will take place in Somabay, Hurghada on April 18th. Tickets on sale at Ticketsmarche soon.<\/p>\n<p>19 April (Sunday): <a href=\"https:\/\/ent.news\/2020\/2\/%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7-24-2-2020.pdf\">Court session for Arabia Investments Holdings\u2019<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/almalnews.com\/%d8%aa%d8%a3%d8%ac%d9%8a%d9%84-%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%88%d9%89-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d8%b1%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%84%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%b3%d8%aa%d8%ab%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%b6%d8%af-%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%ac-6\/\">lawsuit against Peugeot<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>19 April (Sunday): Coptic Easter Sunday, national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>20 April (Monday): Sham El Nessim, national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>23 April (Thursday): First day of Ramadan (TBC).<\/p>\n<p>25 April (Saturday): Sinai Liberation Day, national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>28-29 April (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Open Market Committee will hold its two-day policy meeting to review the interest rate.<\/p>\n<p>5-7 May (Tuesday-Thursday): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afsic.net\/\">AFSIC - Investing in Africa<\/a>, London, United Kingdom.<\/p>\n<p>14 May (Thursday): The CBE\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to review interest rates.<\/p>\n<p>23 May (Saturday): An administrative court will look into an appeal by steel rolling mills to overturn a government\u2019s decision to place import tariffs on steel rebar and iron billets. The hearing <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/32gKHbU\">was postponed<\/a> from 22 February 2020.<\/p>\n<p>23-26 May (Saturday-Tuesday): Eid El Fitr (TBC).<\/p>\n<p>June: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CEconomySummit\/\">Circular Economy Summit<\/a>, Egypt, venue TBA.<\/p>\n<p>4-6 June (Thursday-Saturday): <a href=\"https:\/\/sommetafriquefrance202a0.org\/en\/\">2020 Africa-France Summit<\/a>, Bordeaux, France.<\/p>\n<p>9-10 June (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Open Market Committee will hold its two-day policy meeting to review the interest rate.<\/p>\n<p>17-20 June (Wednesday-Saturday): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.automech-formula.com\/en\/home.html\">2019 Automech Formula car expo<\/a>, Egypt International Exhibition Center, Cairo.<\/p>\n<p>30 June (Sunday): June 2013 protests anniversary, national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>25 June (Thursday): The CBE\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to review interest rates.<\/p>\n<p>28-29 July (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Open Market Committee will hold its two-day policy meeting to review the interest rate.<\/p>\n<p>30 July-3 August (Thursday-Monday): Eid El Adha (TBC), national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>13 August (Thursday): The CBE\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to review interest rates.<\/p>\n<p>20 August (Wednesday-Thursday): Islamic New Year (TBC), national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>15-16 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Open Market Committee will hold its two-day policy meeting to review the interest rate.<\/p>\n<p>24 September (Thursday): The CBE\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to review interest rates.<\/p>\n<p>24 September- 2 October (Thursday-Friday): <a href=\"http:\/\/elgounafilmfestival.com\/\">El Gouna Film Festival<\/a>, El Gouna, Egypt.<\/p>\n<p>6 October (Tuesday): Armed Forces Day, national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>29 October (Thursday): Prophet Mohamed\u2019s birthday (TBC), national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>November: Egypt <a href=\"http:\/\/gate.ahram.org.eg\/News\/2284801.aspx\">will host simultaneously<\/a> the International Capital Market Association\u2019s emerging market, and Africa and Middle East meetings.<\/p>\n<p>4-5 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Open Market Committee will hold its two-day policy meeting to review the interest rate.<\/p>\n<p>12 November (Thursday): The CBE\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to review interest rates.<\/p>\n<p>15-16 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Open Market Committee will hold its two-day policy meeting to review the interest rate.<\/p>\n<p>24 December (Thursday): The CBE\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to review interest rates.<\/p>\n<p>25 December (Friday): Western Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>1 January 2021 (Friday): New Year\u2019s Day, national holiday.<\/p>\n<p>7 January 2021 (Thursday): Coptic Christmas, national holiday.<\/p>\n\t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-${ID} -->\n\n\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div> <!-- \/.story -->\r\n    \n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":570087,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-570086","issue","type-issue","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","wpautop","entry"],"acf":{"mongo_id":"ca2da4bc-6115-491a-b9ad-afe0558f1045","teaser":"","photo_url":"https:\/\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis - EnterpriseAM Egypt<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"EnterpriseAM Egypt\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-16T07:16:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/\",\"name\":\"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis - EnterpriseAM Egypt\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-03-18T04:21:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-16T07:16:41+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Issues\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/AMarchives\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/\",\"name\":\"EnterpriseAM\",\"description\":\"The State of the Nation\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#organization\",\"name\":\"EnterpriseAM\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/240894.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/240894.svg\",\"caption\":\"EnterpriseAM\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis - EnterpriseAM Egypt","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis","og_url":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/","og_site_name":"EnterpriseAM Egypt","article_modified_time":"2025-12-16T07:16:41+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_image":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/","url":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/","name":"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis - EnterpriseAM Egypt","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1","datePublished":"2020-03-18T04:21:52+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-16T07:16:41+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ent.news\/2020\/3\/209.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/issues\/govt-announces-new-measures-to-support-industry-investors-through-the-covid-19-crisis\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Issues","item":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/AMarchives\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Gov\u2019t announces new measures to support industry, investors through the covid-19 crisis"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#website","url":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/","name":"EnterpriseAM","description":"The State of the Nation","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#organization","name":"EnterpriseAM","url":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/240894.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/ent.news\/internal\/240894.svg","caption":"EnterpriseAM"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue\/570086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/issue"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue\/570086\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":570116,"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/issue\/570086\/revisions\/570116"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/570087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=570086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=570086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=570086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}