Gamal Mubarak Opens Second Day of NDP Conference with Address to All Egyptians.

Calls for Greater Transparency in the Party and Government

CAIRO, Egypt -- In a broad speech covering the economy, education, and healthcare, The Assistant Secretary of Egypt's National Democratic Party (NDP), Gamal Mubarak, spoke passionately to the issues that most greatly impact

the average Egyptian and their families. While recognizing the progress the party has made since it last met five years ago, Mr. Mubarak outlined future goals and initiatives designed to bolster economic and social opportunities, especially at the local level, for working families and the poor.

"The problems of all Egyptians are the priorities of our party," said Mr. Mubarak. "The political activities and actions of the NDP are working at the local level, to the benefit of the villages, the families and the hard-working people of Egypt. Their needs are for more jobs, better schools, improved healthcare and greater access to basic infrastructure -- and that is what our party is working to provide."

Economic growth and job creation was a major focus of Mr. Mubarak's address. Pointing to the economic reforms that have been implemented over the past two years, Mr. Mubarak highlighted the impact of recent banking reforms, tax cuts, and other investment initiatives which have resulted in economic growth of more than six percent and the creation of more than 1.5 million new jobs.

"Our economy was once discouraging to investors at home and abroad," said Mr. Mubarak. "But as a result of our initiatives, today Egypt is considered to be one of the most promising areas in the world for investment. There is a new atmosphere of confidence. And as our Arab brethren look for places to invest, they are looking to Egypt."

Mr. Mubarak outlined plans for nearly four billion dollars in investment by the public sector for economic growth and job creation and he pledged greater transparency in the allocation of these investments and the economic impact they generate.

According to Mr. Mubarak, "If we stay on our path of economic reform and investment, we will generate more than four and half million new jobs, which are needed by the many people seeking jobs today and the more than six hundred thousand people that look to enter the job market each year."

Turning to education and healthcare, Mr. Mubarak recognized the problems of overcrowding in schools and the need for more vocational training and he highlighted the significant investments that have been pledged to address these problems. He also praised the first comprehensive health insurance program that is set to begin this year.

"Average families cannot thrive and prosper if they do not have access to quality healthcare and adequate insurance to pay for their health care needs," said Mr. Mubarak.

Over the past two years, Mr. Mubarak has visited scores of towns and has met with thousands of people working at the local level to help achieve the vision of the NDP.

"Across the country, the party is working at the local level to build a better future, especially for those in need," said Mr. Mubarak. "Social justice and the fight against poverty stand at the top of our agenda."

While noting that there is much more work to be done, Mr. Mubarak praised the work of the party over the past five years and the progress that has been made.

"Five years ago, there was no vision for political reform. But today, we have endorsed constitutional amendments to further democratic principles, including a system of checks and balances, the fostering of a multiparty system, and the process of open elections. We can also point to significant achievements in the area of human rights, including the formation of a National Council on Human Rights. And, perhaps most important, we have worked to empower women through equality of citizenship and greater social justice for all," said Mr. Mubarak. "There is no discrimination on the basis of religion, race or gender and no place in our society for extremism."

Commenting on the deliberations of the party conference, Mr. Mubarak restated the party's continued commitment to openness and transparency.

Concluded Mr. Mubarak, "We encourage everyone to examine our achievements and our failures and we continue to encourage open debate, because debate and dialogue is one of the great strengths of our party."

Note: This release has been distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of Mr. Ahmed Ezz. More information is available at the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC.