People: Kamal El-Ganzoury

EGYPT'S PRIME MINISTER

In January, when Egyptian President Husni Mubarak embarked on forming a new government, he began by designating the most pivotal leader to lead his vision for the 21st century. As prime minister, he designated Kamal Ahmed El- Ganzoury, Ph.D. '72, a man who enjoys tremendous acclaim by the Egyptian media.

Calling him 'the right man in the right place,' one media report noted that '(Ganzoury) has helped maintain economic stability in Egypt as economic transformation nears completion . . . Observers describe Dr. El-Ganzoury as the engineer of Egypt's economic reform program.'

Indeed, after receiving his doctorate degree in economics from MSU, El-Ganzoury has established a solid reputation while serving as Egypt's Undersecretary For Planning (1974-75), Governor of the New Valley Governate (1976), Governor of Bani Suef Governate (1977), Minister of Planning (1984) and Deputy Prime Minister for Planning and International Cooperation (1985).

Shortly after being named Prime Minister, El- Ganzoury announced the merging of three ministries in a consolidation effort. 'The goal,' he announced in a press conference, 'is to step up the pace of economic and social performance to serve the Egyptian masses.' Later, in a policy statement to the People's Assembly in Cairo, El-Ganzoury outlined six challenges that are urgent: economic production, job creation, social security, the standard of living, the economic gap among various governorates, and the issue of population growth. He has already begun the process of tackling some of these challenges.

Among other proposals, he supports a kind of Homestead Act for the desert, a law that would encourage investments in real estate, a 10 percent reduction on tariff goods, and a reduction in electricity costs for agriculture.

All in all, he has put together a seemingly exhaustive game plan for success. 'The challenges are great,' he concluded in his statement. 'We call on all the parties and groups to participate so that we can all work together for the sake of Egypt.'