- 88 -The postal service from all... from other countries, and this agreement was implemented. Another agreement was reached along these lines with the Italian Postal Administration, and it was implemented from November 1st, 1906.

(23) Mining Industry A detailed report by Mr. Wass will be published soon (on January 13th), mentioning the exploration of... He stated: The information gathered last year supports the opinion I expressed in my previous report, which is that all indications point to the development and rise of the mining industry in the future. There are many ancient mines starting 125 miles south of Cairo and extending to the borders of Sudan, which do not require management. Furthermore, mineral exploration does not begin in the country unless prospectors find a mine and are in the process of searching and undertaking preliminary work. Egypt's share of its mines and mining is still unknown. As for the Eastern Desert, the doctors have barely directed their attention to it, and the research and exploration carried out there are negligible.

(24) Trade and Customs There is no need for me to detail the results of trade and customs operations; I will summarize them due to the consular reports that are published on these matters and explain them thoroughly. Therefore, I will limit myself to the following general points. Egyptian trade with foreign countries has increased steadily for nine consecutive years, surpassing all previous periods. The value of imports and exports reached £E 48,888,000 in 1906, meaning it increased by £E 6,964,000 compared to 1905 and more than doubled what it was in 1898, which was considered an unparalleled year. The value of imports to Egypt reached £E 24,011,000, and the value of exports from it reached £E 24,877,000. This represents an increase in imports of 4.11% and an increase in exports of 3.21% compared to 1905. The value of imported goods did not exceed exported goods last year, but the money entering the country reached £E 9,077,000, while the money leaving it did not exceed £E 2,060,000. Thus, the net import is £E 7,017,000, compared to less than a million in the previous year.