The Government of Egypt has the honor to host, in Cairo, the next ICANN meeting, from 2 to 7 November 2008, at InterContinental CityStars hotel. The ICANN meeting was previously hosted in Cairo in March 2000, by the Egyptian Ministry of Communications, the Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) and the Internet Society of Egypt.

The Internet has always been a priority for the Egyptian government, as it is considered the platform for socioeconomic development; for innovation and education and for better health and government services. Thanks to several efforts and initiatives exerted in a public-private context, the Internet in Egypt is witnessing a tremendous growth rate, demonstrating a strong potential in one of the most active ICT sectors in the region.
It is hence no coincidence that Cairo, on behalf of Africa, welcomes back the ICANN community on the ICANN’s 10th anniversary, to host its 33rd International Public Meeting and its third/annual meeting for this year.

The Egyptian ICT; a Booming Sector
The Internet is a major aspect of development in the Egyptian ICT sector, which has become one of the most extensive, active and growing sectors on the regional level. It is a role model of deregulation, privatization, and public-private partnerships with sustained annual growth exceeding 20%. Thanks to the comprehensive and coherent vision for the development of the sector that was formulated through a multi-stakeholder process of consultation, the ICT sector has been transformed to a revenue creating sector for public proceeds that has reached 4.18 billion US dollars from IPOs and licenses in less than two years.
Efforts gave birth eventually to an enabling investment environment supported by balanced and diligent regulatory policies; making the number of ICT companies working in Egypt increase to 2310 in 2007 against 226 in 1999. Many reputable multinationals have established presence in Egypt. Companies from Europe, North America, India, and
China have established software development centers, technical support Call Centers and research facilities as well as business process and knowledge process operations. The flow of FDI however, is not only incoming, Egyptian ICT companies are starting to invest in Europe, Africa and Asia and will continue to do so as more business opportunities emerge.
Benefiting the Egyptian citizen from the deployment and growth of ICT in Egypt is another substantial objective of ICT for development strategy. This is attained through successful partnership with the private sector in a number of initiatives spearheaded by Egypt’s Education Initiative, e-health programs and the Arabic e-content initiative.