Yousef Boutros-Ghali, Egypt's minister of economy since July 1997, has the perfect curriculum vitae for overseeing an economy in transition. Formerly an IMF economist, Boutros-Ghali's new responsibilities include overseeing the development of Egypt's capital markets and its insurance sector.
As economy minister Boutros-Ghali has made "a world of difference", says Andre Hovaguimian, director of investments for North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia at the IFC in Washington. "I have charge of 23 countries and I rank him as one of the best economy ministers. He's quick off the mark, knows the issues, understands immediately what needs to be done and has long-term vision on the implications of his policies. He's also an absolutely super guy."
The son of a businessman, Yousef Boutros-Ghali was born in Cairo on August 20 1952 into a prominent Coptic Christian family that has been heavily involved in government. His great-grandfather, Boutros Ghali Pasha, was prime minister, killed by Muslim fundamentalists in 1910; several of the next generations were ministers; his uncle, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, is the former UN secretary-general .
Not surprisingly, Yousef Boutros-Ghali grew up with ambitions to enter public service.