Building an Egyptian Services Coalition

A services coalition is typically comprised of multiple service sectors that have identified common priorities and causes and thus have joined forces to be heard through a much stronger and more influential voice that represents a diverse cross-section of service sectors. An important basis for establishing a services coalition is that it should distinguish itself from existing business and trade associations, which tend to focus on sector-centric issues. A services coalition does not have to represent all services sectors, since there may be services sectors that will not support the broader objectives of the coalition. However, it does need to represent a critical mass of private sector firms to ensure support for creating such an entity. Defining critical mass is going to vary from country to country, and in some cases, according to the legal form of the entity. For example, in Egypt, if the services coalition decides to organize itself in the form of an association, there must be a minimum of 10 persons (either natural or juridical) that make up the initial membership.