Egypt targets investor relief with 1st full non-tax fees assessment — minister

Egypt has completed its first comprehensive inventory of non-tax financial burdens on investors as part of efforts to ease charges, improve transparency, and boost competitiveness, Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Hassan El-Khatib said Sunday.

Speaking at the US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum, Minister El-Khatib outlined a two-phase reform plan. The first phase includes revising fees such as the Training Fund levy and recalculating the solidarity contribution based on net profits rather than revenues. The second phase aims to redefine the financial relationship between the state and investors to clarify mutual rights and obligations.

He also announced plans to launch a temporary digital licensing platform offering 389 services, followed by a full online system covering the entire investment lifecycle.

On trade, the minister said the government aims to double exports to 20 per cent of GDP and reduce customs clearance times from 14 days to two by the end of 2025, through efficiency improvements and the removal of non-tariff barriers.

He noted recent regulatory reforms, including the adoption of US safety standards for vehicle imports and streamlined Halal certification rules, to facilitate market access and enhance competitiveness.

Minister El-Khatib also said Egypt is working to lower conformity assessment fees for food products and expand the role of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) by transferring more state-owned assets to maximise investment returns.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English