Negotiating International Business - Egypt
Negotiating International Business - Egypt
This section is an excerpt from the book “Negotiating International Business - The Negotiator’s Reference Guide to 50 Countries Around the World” by Lothar Katz. It has been updated with inputs from readers and others, most recently in June 2008.
Though the country’s culture is quite homogeneous, Egyptian businesspeople are usually experienced in interacting and doing business with visitors from other cultures. However, that does not always mean that they are open-minded. When negotiating business here, realize that people may expect things to be done ‘their way.’ Business practices may show European and Arab influences. Egyptians Muslims may practice their religion less strictly than others and the country also has a significant Christian population. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this is an Islamic country. Showing disrespect for the religion could have disastrous consequences.
Relationships and Respect
Egypt’s culture expects its members to have a sense of belonging to and conforming with their group. At the same time, it leaves room for individual preferences. Building lasting and trusting personal relationships is critically important to most Egyptians, who often expect to establish strong bonds prior to closing any deals. People in this country may do business only with those they know and like. Establishing productive business cooperation requires a long-term perspective and commitment. Social interactions may be just as important as business contacts, if not more. Consequently, proceed with serious business discussions only after your counterparts have become very comfortable with you. This is usually a slow process. Business relationships in this country exist between people, not necessarily between companies. Even when you have won your local business partners’ friendship and trust, they will not necessarily trust others from your company. That makes it very important to keep company interfaces unchanged.
This section is an excerpt from the book “Negotiating International Business - The Negotiator’s Reference Guide to 50 Countries Around the World” by Lothar Katz. It has been updated with inputs from readers and others, most recently in June 2008.
Though the country’s culture is quite homogeneous, Egyptian businesspeople are usually experienced in interacting and doing business with visitors from other cultures. However, that does not always mean that they are open-minded. When negotiating business here, realize that people may expect things to be done ‘their way.’ Business practices may show European and Arab influences. Egyptians Muslims may practice their religion less strictly than others and the country also has a significant Christian population. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this is an Islamic country. Showing disrespect for the religion could have disastrous consequences.
Relationships and Respect
Egypt’s culture expects its members to have a sense of belonging to and conforming with their group. At the same time, it leaves room for individual preferences. Building lasting and trusting personal relationships is critically important to most Egyptians, who often expect to establish strong bonds prior to closing any deals. People in this country may do business only with those they know and like. Establishing productive business cooperation requires a long-term perspective and commitment. Social interactions may be just as important as business contacts, if not more. Consequently, proceed with serious business discussions only after your counterparts have become very comfortable with you. This is usually a slow process. Business relationships in this country exist between people, not necessarily between companies. Even when you have won your local business partners’ friendship and trust, they will not necessarily trust others from your company. That makes it very important to keep company interfaces unchanged.