President Hosni Mubarak yesterday instructed the government to prepare a bill to Parliament that would extend the free zone in Port Said for three more years. Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Nazif said the President ordered a gradual reduction of import quotas to traders until they are completely stopped after three years so as to give a grace period to the traders and the residents there in light of the global financial crisis, considering it a gift to the people of Port Said on their National Day. Shura Council Speaker Safwat el-Sherif said Mubarak's initiative came in response to the people of Port Said, who have highly appreciated it by decorating their city with ornaments. Mohamed el-Masry, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Port Said, said the decision reflects the President's keenness on improving the conditions of the people of Port Said, stressing that the decision was the result of the efforts by the governor, the deputies and the secretary of the National Democratic Party.
