U.S. Takes Steps to Engage the Middle East

On June 13, Deborah A. McCarthy, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs, spoke about the United States’ commitment to engaging with partners and allies in the Middle East.

According to McCarthy, the U.S. has taken numerous steps to help the region, including providing financial support to stabilize Egypt and Tunisia’s economies.  In addition, the U.S. is also working with parliament to create enterprise funds that will invest in Tunisia and Egypt.  The U.S. is also working with the European Union to facilitate more trade within the region that is not solely focused on oil shipments in an effort to promote more integration with U.S. and European markets.  The U.S. also supports the reconstruction of European banks to enable it to work with the private sector in the Middle East and North Africa.  Ultimately, the international community is working to support the construction of a transparent, anti-corrupt administration, McCarthy said.

“We are dedicated to working with business leaders to ensure that the political changes lead to increased economic opportunity for every person and a better business environment for prosperity,” McCarthy said.