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Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui opened doors for future generations

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A Pleasant Greeting Exchange from Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui with names that might not be easily pronounced, creating a professional pathway that was once only a vision in a politically charged world. The current flow of investment and technology from the U.S. and California into Egypt stands as the living legacy of Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui as a pioneer who saw a future where others saw only problems and had the courage and skill to build the bridge to get there.

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In 1994, Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui embarked on a mission that many would have deemed impossible.

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As a Co-Chair of the International Business Development Committee of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and a consultant for the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui occupied a position of influence with the Arena of International Affairs, given his multicultural background and foreign language skills with a strong background in research with eminent centers in France and Europe. He was called “Mister International” by Sunne Wright McPeak , prominent personality of the California Democrats, and this during the Clinton Presidency and the Visit of Ron Brown to the Bay Area of San Francisco, setting the network of Bay Trade Antennas.

However, this also placed Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui at the heart of a hotbed of geopolitically and ideological tension. Powerful companies like Bechtel, Chevron, and Bank of America—all members of the very Chamber you served,had deep, often contradictory, interests in the Middle East. At the same time, he served at the San Francisco Bay Area, an business entity that was a nexus for peace and human rights movements with criticisms of the Mubarak regime.

For months, Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui had to navigate a labyrinth of objections, but the true challenge lay in overcoming a series of invisible hurdles, hidden schemes, and mercurial sabotage with no clear color or agenda.

The work was not done with a simple phone call; it required long hours of in-person meetings, bridging a profound cultural divide with a name that often drew puzzled looks.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui‘s success was not a matter of luck or coincidence of hazard but a deliberate, strategic masterclass conducted with Masterhands and other Prominent Minds.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui has always practiced what Professor Pierre Rondot taught him about “finding a road in the jungle of well defined and historically rooted in deep land, interests that are first the blossoming of diverse confessionalism” during his studies at Sciences Po of Grenoble on Middle East and Islam.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui has erected new foundations based and driven by own self-esteem, a deep respect for the motivations of others, and a dialogue that acknowledged their core beliefs. His core diplomatic tenet was to never reject, but rather to reinforce common goals to express and transfer a sense of mutual benefit and a willingness to share the process of building consensus, no hidden agenda or manipulative propositions, a complete transparency seeking open participation and direct frank proactive collaboration.

This approach enabled Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui to confront the implicit skepticism and “hidden thoughts”, the reluctance, the lack of clarity that stimulate the questions of “who the heck this guy is thinking to do” and “why is he doing this”. These are opportunities to clarify and define better the frames of the dialogue and provide responses to overcome objections, and transform a fragmented, distrustful environment into a cooperative one.

The symposium was organized by Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui on December 6, 1994, at Golden Gate University as the direct, tangible result of this painstaking diplomatic effort. It was a triumph of will that brought high-level Egyptian business leaders under the same roof with Bay Area executives, a feat that, given the climate, was nothing short of extraordinary.

The following day, the formal signing of the “Agreement of Cooperation” between the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Commerce was not just a document; it was a testament to the trust Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui had built with a Team of Good Willing People that trusted the outcome before its happening.

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Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui personal satisfaction and confirmation of his diplomacy are now visible and readable in the long-term trade data:

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In 1994, U.S. trade with Egypt was dominated by traditional goods, with U.S. exports of $2.85 billion overshadowing imports of $548.8 million. Their relationship was unbalanced and not reflective of the high-tech potential we knew existed.

By 2022, the trade landscape had been dramatically transformed. Total trade volume had grown to $13.5 billion, with the U.S. trade surplus narrowing to a more equitable $1.0 billion. This shift was fueled not just by goods but by a burgeoning services and technology sector, the very kind of business-to-business relationship Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui had envisioned.

As of 2025, interim data shows this trend continuing, with a nearly balanced trade relationship that now includes significant U.S. investment in Egyptian tech startups.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui‘s work was not a footnote in history:

The current narrative of Egypt as a rising emergent country and a hub for technology and startups can be traced also and be considered as a direct fulfillment of the groundwork Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui laid decades ago.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui opened doors for future generations with names that might not be easily pronounced, creating a professional pathway that was once only a vision in a politically charged world. The current flow of investment and technology from the U.S. and California into Egypt stands as the living legacy of Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui as a pioneer who saw a future where others saw only problems and had the courage and skill to build the bridge to get there.

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Bibliography

• U.S. Census Bureau. (2025). U.S. Trade in Goods with Egypt. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c7290.html
• U.S. International Trade Administration. (2023). U.S. Trade with Egypt. Retrieved from https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/egypt-trade-statistics
• Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Egypt. (2025). CAPMAS: Egypt’s Trade Deficit Decreased by 12.8% in April 2025. Retrieved from https://www.capmas.gov.eg/Pages/Press-Release.aspx?DecadeID=1729
• Africana Enterprise. (2019). 1994: How San Francisco and Egypt Built Business Ties by Said Cherkaoui. Retrieved from https://africanaenterprise.com/1994-san-francisco-egypt-said-cherkaoui/

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Strengthening Business, Trade, and Academic Relationships of California with Egypt

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Strengthening USA-Egypt Trade Relations and International Business Development

Enhancing Economic Partnerships and Market Expansion by Focusing on building Business Bridges to Strengthen the USA and Egypt Collaboration

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui and his teams at africanaenterprise.com and in the past TRI Consulting Kyoto and GLOCENTRA [Global Center for Trade], have continuously Built Business Bridges between the United States of America and African Nations.

In the present article, Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui presents you with Proven Track of Official and Executive Records on the Central Role he played in the negotiations and the organization of the Egyptian Governmental and Business visits to California, and their meetings and interaction of their peers in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Silicon Valley.

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Our Work Building Egypt – USA Relationships – December 19, 2022

We have directly contributed to establishing business relationships. We have also developed trade exchanges between the United States, California, and Egypt. We did this with our initiative and engagement. We organized visits of Egyptian officials and business leaders to California. We facilitated their interactions. Several Memorandum of Understanding and agreements were signed between professional representatives, entities, and their members.

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New sites, extensions, industrial or technological partnerships, acquisitions or financial investments.

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African Business Leaders @ Linkedin

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Audio Account of 1994: How San Francisco and Egypt Built Business Ties, Brick by Brick, Through the Works of Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui – Dr. Said Cherkaoui and Laurent Roffe

🌍 Presented to you by Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui 🌍 https://africanaenterprise.com/advising/ 🌍 saidcherkaoui@africanaenterprise.com 🌍

5/22/2025

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Extensive work on Establishing Trade and Business Relationship Between California and Egypt

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U.S. and Egypt Share a Strong Partnership

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The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Egypt in 1922, following its independence from protectorate status under the United Kingdom. The U.S. and Egypt share a strong partnership. This partnership is based on mutual interest in Middle East peace and stability. It also focuses on economic opportunity and regional security. U.S. policy will continue to focus on promoting a stable, prosperous Egypt. The government must protect the basic rights of its citizens. It must also fulfill the aspirations of the Egyptian people.

The United States and Egypt have a strategic economic and security partnership. The two countries have a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. This includes expanding trade, increasing private sector investments, and collaborating on clean energy and climate technology. 

Egypt is one of Africa’s industrial heavyweights. Transforming the country’s economy to sustain job-rich and sustainable growth are pivotal steps in its march towards prosperity. Today’s search for new development models is accelerated by the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic. It calls for shifting up a gear in raising Egypt’s industrial capabilities. This is essential to compete in an industry 4.0 and agro 4.0 landscape. The Production Transformation Policy Review (PTPR) of Egypt uses a forward-looking framework to assess the country’s readiness to embrace change.

This includes an analysis of the game-changing potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and perspectives on agro-food and electronics (i.e. what in Egypt is referred to as part of the engineering sector), as well as identifying priorities for future reforms.

The U.S. and Egypt also share interests across the Middle East. Both countries are aligned on Israel and Iran. They share concerns about the regional effect of dysfunctional states such as Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. 

U.S. assistance has long played a central role in Egypt’s economic and military development. An estimated 250,000 first or second generation Egyptians live in the United States, while nearly 60,000 U.S. citizens reside permanently in Egypt. 

The U.S. embassy is located in Cairo, and there is also a U.S. consulate in Alexandria. 

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USA – EGYPT 1994 & 2022

Bilateral Economic Relations

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Total bilateral trade in goods between the United States and Egypt stood at $9.1 billion in 2021, the highest level ever. Egypt is the United States’ largest export market in Africa.

U.S. exports to Egypt include wheat and corn, mineral fuel and oil, machinery, aircraft, and iron and steel products.

U.S. imports from Egypt include apparel, natural gas and oil, fertilizers, textiles, and agricultural products. Under the Qualifying Industrial Zone agreement, the United States waives duties on imports from Egypt if the value includes 10.5% Israeli content; this program promotes stronger ties between the region’s peace partners.

In 2022, the U.S. had a goods trade surplus of $3.6 billion with Egypt, a 40.2 percent increase from 2021. U.S. goods imports from Egypt totaled $2.8 billion, down 15.3 percent from 2021. Egyptian exports to the U.S. were $3.2 billion, an increase of 35.5 percent from 2020. 

U.S. exports to Egypt include: Agricultural goods, Transportation equipment, Chemicals, Machinery, Computer and electronic products. 

Egypt’s top imports include: Refined petroleum, Wheat, Cars, Crude petroleum, Corn. 

Egypt imports mostly from: China, Saudi Arabia, United States, Russia, Turkey. 

Egypt’s top exports include: 

• Oil & mineral fuels
• Plastics
• Electrical machinery
• Iron & steel

Egypt and the United States signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in 1986 to promote and facilitate investment between our countries. Egypt and the United States have signed a trade and investment framework agreement, a step toward creating freer trade and increasing investment flows.

American firms are active in most sectors of the Egyptian economy, including oil and gas exploration and production, renewable energy technologies, financial services, manufacturing, construction, telecommunications and information technology, and the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Flows of U.S. direct investment to Egypt stood at $1.5 billion in 2020, bringing the accumulated long-term stock of U.S. FDI to nearly $24 billion.

Egypt is positioning itself as a regional energy hub, rapidly boosting renewable energy production, further offering potential opportunities for U.S. firms.

In November 2022, Egypt will host the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP-27) climate change conference in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Last Updated On: 03/05/2023)

Hottest Products to Import From Egypt in 2023

Below are the hottest products to export from Egypt, with large growth potential:

1. Cotton (forecast to rise by 7% 2023-2024)
2. Jewelry (up 46% to $1.529 billion in 2022, compared to 2021)
3. Plastics (US$2.61 Billion during 2022)
4. Fruits (US$539.86 Million during 2022,)
5. Ceramics (US$329.96 Million in 2022, a massive 112% increase from 2021)
6. Essential Oils, Perfumes and Cosmetics (US$620.99 Million during 2022)

A slew of positive export data has been released for 2021, showing huge demand for Egyptian products worldwide. A Egyptian-British trade agreement signed following Brexit has been significant for both countries so there are some excellent opportunities for a foreign importer.

Cotton Products

Egypt is famous for its highest quality cotton around the world. Turkey and India import cotton from Egypt in order to produce high quality products made of 100% Egyptian Cotton for the worldwide demand.

Fabric production includes fine Egyptian cotton fabrics, shirting, fabrics for trousers/shorts, worsted wool fabrics, denim, fleece, jersey, flat/woolen knits, technical fabrics, and more. Apparel production includes active sportswear, outerwear, underwear, suits, socks, infant wear etc. Production of made-ups includes a wide variety of bed, bath, and table linens, kitchen accessories etc.

Perhaps one of the most in-demand products are luxury 100% Egyptian cotton bed sheets and bedware.

Egypt’s cotton industry is forecast to rise by 7% for the year beginning August 2023 to July 2024, the U.S. agriculture department said late Monday.

Egyptian Jewelry

Egypts jewelry market is exploding and the potential for excellent returns on investment for those willing to source good suppliers and export to buyers around the world are excellent.

There’s plenty of room in the UK market still and well worth exploring.

Egypt’s exports of gold, jewelry, and precious stones increased by 46% during the period from January to November 2022, to reach $1.529 billion, compared to $1.044 billion during the same period in 2021.

Plastics

Since the revolution in 2011 a number of sectors, especially tourism, have slowed down, however this has not been the case with the plastics industry, which includes finished products.

Egypt Exports of plastics was US$2.61 Billion during 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. The plasticware industry has become an important part of Egypt’s local manufacturing over the past ten years as a result of relying on plastic materials instead of other items like glass and metals.

Fruits

Food imports to Europe is a golden opportunity for Egyptian food imports and remains one of the most stable markets offering the highest prices.

Egypt exports of vegetable, fruit, nut food preparations was US$539.86 Million during 2022,

Europe needs products that are low in sugar and packaging for European standards should be considered. Europe is more interested in buying food products which are in glass containers and tetra packs.

It’s important to understand import requirements with food and fresh fruits as of course there will be a limited shelf life.

Ceramics

Egypt intends to turn itself into a regional hub for manufacturing and exporting ceramics, in light of the availability of energy sources, raw materials and qualified labor.

Egypt Exports of ceramic products was US$329.96 Million during 2022 up from $92 million in 2021, a massive 112% increase.

Egypt has a rich history of manufacturing ceramics and it’s expected for this industry to grow significantly.

Essential Oils, Perfumes and Cosmetics

80% of the world’s natural jasmine products, come from Egypt, where specialists in this ancient art extract the aromatic oils from a profusion of flowers, leaves, roots and herbs and export them to perfumers in Paris, London, New York and even Moscow.

Perfumes are a huge export market still to be tapped and the use of essential oils is becoming a very, very popular natural alternative to traditional perfumes.

Egypt exports of essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics, toiletries was US$620.99 Million during 2022 and is still a young market for anyone wanting to take advantage of what is sure to be lucrative with the right suppliers and buyer markets.

Egyptian Exports Reach Their Highest Level Ever in 2022

Egypt’s total exports surged 18.3% year-on-year (YoY) during 2022, exports jumping to $51.6 billion in 2022, compared to $43.6 billion in 2021.

Last year’s figure marks the highest value ever in the history of Egyptian merchandise exports.

Turkey topped the list of countries importing Egyptian products with a value of $4 billion, followed by Spain with $3.7 billion, Italy with $3.4 billion, and Saudi Arabia with $2.5 billion.

Exports to the US reached $2.446 billion compared to $1.618 billion, yet another significant increase of 51%.

Egypt’s exports to the UK increased 46.2% year-on-year, taking advantage of the Egyptian-British trade agreement, signed by the two countries following Brexit.

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AFRICAN ENTERPRISE supports you in your trade and investment projects, whatever their form:

The British Connection of Egyptian Africa

Sir Mohamed Mansour: The industrialist shaping Africa’s future

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/09/world/video/mohamed-mansour-connecting-africa-intl-spc

   From humble beginnings in Alexandria, Egypt, to leading one of Africa’s most powerful conglomerates, Sir Mohamed Mansour built an empire that spans continents and industries. CNN spotlights an entrepreneurial titan whose vision, resilience and business acumen have reshaped the automotive, retail, construction and technology sectors across the continent – 23:01 • Source: CNN

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The Unwritten Story: A Masterclass in Overcoming Invisible Hurdles

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The business ties we observe today between Silicon Valley and Egypt are the result of a story that is not found in official reports or press releases. It is a story rooted in a unique intellectual and professional journey, conducted against a backdrop of geopolitical upheaval. It is the story of a man from Morocco, internationalized by the “Diplomatic Touch of France Culture” and molded by extensive international sports practices.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui dedicated more than 14 years to field research in Europe, Mexico, and the United States, focused on a singular topic: the sources of the internationalization of diplomatic trade, business, cultural, ideological and geopolitical justifications based on “National Interests” beyond any other considerations. This academic rigor culminated in his 1992 doctoral thesis, where he created the concept of Subcapitalism, and in publications on Brazil by the CNRS in 1985 and a contribution to the International Dictionary on Imperialism in 1991.

Said El Mansour Cherkaoui

Tateyoko Research Institute – USA – Japan

Verified email at africanaenterprise.com – Homepage

International Business Business Strategy Entrepreneurship

Title	Cited by	Year
Économie politique du subcapitalisme en Amérique latine:(1830-1930); Argentine, Brésil, Chili, Pérou Said El Mansour Cherkaoui		1992
Historical Dictionary of European Imperialism Said El Mansour Cherkaoui, E James S. Olson		1991
The structural causes of the Gulf crisis and the quest for a peaceful solution in the Middle East Said El Mansour Cherkaoui La Comunità Internazionale, Società Italiana Organizzazione Internazionale …		1991
La relation ambivalente entre l’etat fédéral et les grands groupes d’intérêts privés au Brésil dans la première moitié du XXème siècle Said El Mansour Cherkaoui Centre de Recherche et Documentation Sur l’Amerique Latine		1985

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=en&hl=en&user=ZLLGYcoAAAAJ

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It was during this period of field research, while in Mexico City meeting with high-level figures like Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas and France’s Ambassador Alain Rouquié, that a specific, fateful moment occurred.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui bought from a Kiosk on la Reforma, and read this newspaper in the street and the headtitle that Saddam Hussein had invaded Kuwait. This event, which he witnessed firsthand from a distance, would set the stage for the geopolitical climate he would later have to navigate.

It was a period of “hot deluge of contradictory trends and waves of interests” that Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui were uniquely prepared to surf and dodge.

Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui‘s prescience was a double-edged sword.

His work on the Gulf War, published by an Italian International Organization after American publishers refused it, correctly predicted that Iraq would be invaded and Hussein removed. The organization, in a powerful testament to his foresight, was compelled to add a footnote stating that Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui‘s work was submitted before the entry of international troops in the region or in Iraq. This pattern of foresight and a lack of recognition followed Dr. Said El Mansour Cherkaoui work on NAFTA and even his proposal to create a “Peace and Conflict Programs or Studies” at UC Berkeley, which was taken from him despite meticulous preparation of several curriculum and study programs on a Mac Classics and printed at the time with a Dot Matrix printer.

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