Ambassador supports Egyptian artichokes exports to US

US Ambassador to Egypt Anne W. Patterson has reiterated support fors Egyptian artichokes exports to the United States through the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZ) deal as Egypt is the world\'s third-largest producer for artichokes. The diplomat made her remarks in her meeting with workers and farmers of Agrocorp, a leading company in the field of canning from Egypt. The Qiz has helped the company to export products worth five million dollars to the US since 2008. These exports helped in providing Egypt millions of dollars and create 1500 jobs in Behaira and Cairo, she said. The QIZ are designated geographic areas, within Egypt, that enjoy a duty free status with the US. Companies located within such zones are granted duty-free access to the US markets, provided that they satisfy the agreed upon Israeli component, as per the pre-defined rules of origin.