For U.S. economic aid to Arab world, a muted impact

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2011-05/21/c_13886625.htm

WASHINGTON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- While the United States has announced a fresh spate of U.S. aid designed to bolster Arab economies in the midst of transition, the impact is expected to be limited, some analysts said.

The package is expected to include up to 1 billion U.S. dollars in debt relief for Egypt, as well as loans of up to 1 billion dollars, in a bid to finance infrastructure and support job creation.

The U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation is also expected to provide up to 2 billion dollars in financial support for private sectors throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the White House said.

The United States hopes the aid will help offset some of the economic problems associated with the current uncertainty as some countries in the region, such as Egypt and Tunisia, undergo political transition.