CAIRO: Egypt's infrastructure was not affected by the January 25 Revolution, said Egyptian Minister of Finance Samir Radwan. Radwan said there is no change in Egypt's economic approach, free market policies or economic reform. He said the private sector brings about development and foreign investment encouraging policies in Egyptian markets. These factors focus on social justice, which is considered the most important pillar of the general budget of the new fiscal year. The general budget includes project that have never been discussed before, said Radawn during a meeting with a delegation representing U.S. companies that are investing in Egypt. Such projects include the national program of housing, the training program of operation as well as reforming the organization of wages in Egypt, he added. Radwan said the general budget will increase tax income by 25 percent in order to accomplish social justice by taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor. Increasing cigarette tax by 10 percent raised all taxes to 50 percent. Cigarette tax will now be implemented in Egypt just like in other countries. The Minister said the budget deficit will reach approximately 11 percent in the next year. He added that his Ministry drew a plan in order to gradually decrease this percent. Meanwhile, the delegation of U.S. companies said that tourism and investment in Egypt will quickly go back to normal. They also said that they hope Egypt will benefit from world admiration for the January 25 Revolution. The delegation said that before the season of tourism starts, Egypt should make use of the revolution in its campaigns.
