Egypt has one of the largest medical equipment markets in the Middle East, mostly due to demands of a large and growing population of 78 million. The medical market is estimated at US$300 million, with an annual growth rate of 10%. The market relies heavily on imports and is very receptive to American products. Demand is increasing for quality medical and healthcare equipment and products due to the Health Ministry's ongoing reform program with high priority on modernizing its facilities and building new hospitals and healthcare clinics. Opportunities are particularly strong for state-of-the-art and innovative medical and laboratory equipment and products, especially for oncology, cardiovascular, hepatitis, renal failure treatment, capacity building, software for hospital management, and emergency management/network services. Companies can test the waters of the Egyptian market by using the cost-effective method of introducing their products via catalog.