January 8, 2007

U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone recognizes Microsoft representatives in Egypt Mrs. Ghada Khalifa, CSR Manager and Mr. Karim Ramadan General Manager in the presence of Dr. Tarek Kamel, Egyptian Minister of Information and Communication

Cairo - Today, Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone honored Microsoft Egypt for its community service programs in Egypt. Microsoft was chosen, from more than 50 nominations worldwide, Microsoft Egypt as one of just twelve finalists for the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence for American companies that exemplify the best in corporate citizenship overseas. This award allows the U.S. State Department to recognize global American companies that combine American resources and civic values with local partners to benefit the communities in which we all live. In a ceremony at Microsoft Egypt headquarters today, Ambassador Ricciardone presented the company with a plaque and spoke with employees about their contributions to their community. The Award for Corporate Excellence was established in1999. Microsoft Egypt is the first U.S. firm in Egypt to receive the award.

American companies bring more to Egypt than investment. They use their human and financial resources to begin and continue development projects to supplement foreign assistance. Many companies use their particular expertise to contribute. For example, Microsoft has used its role as the world’s technology leader, to deliver Information Technology to underprivileged populations. Among the numerous community service projects Microsoft Egypt runs are its Internet Learning Center for children with special needs, its "Technology Access and Enablement" program for rural and young communities, and its Future Generation Foundation Scholarship for 150 professionals.

For further information, call the U.S. Embassy Cairo Press Office at 02-797-3344.