Social Justice Issues Take Main Stage at Egypt's National Democratic Party Convention.

Goal to provide access to full healthcare benefits for all Egyptians by 2011; schools to receive new funding for teacher training, student programs; farmers to compete in the global economy

CAIRO, Egypt -- Egypt's healthcare, agricultural and education programs will be major issues

on the agenda at the National Democratic Party (NDP) convention, November 3-6, in Cairo. The NDP is looking at ways to accelerate development of a healthcare program that will provide all citizens with full health insurance coverage by 2011. The nation's education system will undergo critical upgrades to programs for teacher training, community involvement, and technical and vocational instruction. Expanding markets for Egyptian farmers is also a major goal that will be addressed.

Dr. Mohamed Kamal, Secretary of Political Education and Training, stated that these are critical steps to improving every Egyptian's quality of life: "We are looking to establish a clear path to providing all Egyptians with universal healthcare, improving education and enabling the Egyptian farmer to compete in a global economy," he said. NDP officials will propose legislative measures to accomplish these goals.

Under the new healthcare proposals, the NDP will establish a health insurance fund for families that are not currently covered. Legislation will provide funding to upgrade current hospital and care facilities by introducing advanced medical equipment. Doctors nationwide will have greater access and opportunities to participate in newer training programs.

Education initiatives will focus on the development of teachers. By creating an increased number of higher education programs, and providing ongoing training, leaders believe the overall quality of education will improve. The NDP believes that vocational training for youth is a focal point that will help prepare them to compete, as job growth and economic prosperity are linked to the success of the country's graduates.

The NDP will take steps to expand means for the Egyptian farmer to increase exports, specifically for crops for which Egypt enjoys a competitive advantage, such as cotton, potatoes, oranges, and medicinal and herbal plants. This will come through the establishment and bolstering of agricultural cooperatives; the Bank of Credit and Agricultural Development; directive agricultural institutions; marketing systems and post-harvest services; farming and reclamation plans; and policies to develop water resources and irrigation systems.

Providing citizens with healthcare, improving Egyptian agriculture and making crucial advancements in education are priority issues for the NDP during this historic convention. The NDP has always stressed the importance of social justice as a contributing factor to elevating overall quality of life for Egyptians and is seizing this unique opportunity to make even greater reforms.

"Achieving universal healthcare, fostering agricultural expansion and providing a comprehensive plan to raise the quality of education are essential actions for moving Egypt forward. The NDP is taking the lead on these important initiatives," concluded Dr. Kamal.

Members of the press interested in attending the convention should contact George Atallah at +1-202-680-0238 or gatallah@qorvis.com

NOTE: This information 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, D.C.