E-signature cooperation WITHIN the framework of the Egyptian Information Society Initiative, Sherif Hassan, executive vice-president of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) signed a memorandum of understanding with Yu Kil Yang, vice-president of the Korean IT Industry Promotion Agency. The memorandum promotes cooperation in e-signature regulatory frameworks, infrastructure and applications. The MOU also promotes the exchange of experiences in organising and developing e-signature applications, electronic business, smart cards and information security. In January 2005, ITIDA launched an initiative which regulates e-signature according to Law 5/2004. The law encompasses activities in the areas of e-business, e-trading and e-contracting. Going strong EGYPTIAN-Italian economic and trade relations, focusing on the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector was the topic of a two-day seminar held this week in Rome. The event was be organised by Egypt's General Authority for Free Zones and Investment (GAFI) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) fields. According to Chairman of GAFI Ziad Bahaa El-Din the event is a good opportunity for Egyptian companies seeking Italian business partners. Italy is the third biggest investor in Egypt. Cooperation between Egypt and Italy in the SME sector has been particularly strong. Several Italian economic establishments have shown interest in establishing specialized centres with the aim of upgrading specific industries in the Egyptian market and promoting the competitiveness of Egypt's exports to the EU.
