Egypt names Ahmed Amawi as new Customs Authority chairman

Egypt has appointed on Friday Ahmed Amawi as the new Chairman of the Egyptian Customs Authority, signalling a renewed push for streamlined trade and investment. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly’s decree, effective for one year, underscores the government’s commitment to modernising the nation’s customs system.

Who is Ahmed Amawi?

Minister Plenipotentiary for Trade, Ahmed Amawi brings a wealth of experience in international trade and economic diplomacy. A seasoned diplomat, he previously led Egypt’s Commercial Representation Office in Seoul, South Korea.

Government Pushes for Faster Clearance, Investor-Friendly Reforms

Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk outlined ambitious plans to transform the customs sector, aiming to accelerate production, boost exports, and attract significant investment. A key target is to reduce customs clearance times from eight days to a mere two, achieved through close collaboration with the Ministries of Industry, Investment, and Foreign Trade, alongside regulatory bodies.

“We are assembling a highly skilled team to drive these reforms,” Minister Kouchouk stated, expressing confidence in the customs workforce’s ability to implement governance measures and simplify procedures.

Central to the modernisation effort is the expansion of digital solutions. Minister Kouchouk revealed that customs valuation and classification will be fully automated, ensuring standardised pricing across all customs centres. Furthermore, an advanced electronic container tracking system will be implemented to reduce congestion and streamline operations. Importers will also benefit from a “post-audit review” mechanism, enabling clearance directly from their warehouses, significantly reducing logistical delays and costs.

Deputy Minister for Tax Policies and Supervisor of Customs, Sherif El-Kilany detailed additional measures to enhance the business environment. These include strengthening risk management systems, expanding the white list for compliant traders, and establishing more customs dispute resolution committees to minimise court cases.

Ahmad Amawi, upon assuming his new role, pledged to drive a “qualitative shift” in Egypt’s customs landscape. He emphasised the importance of facilitating trade, supporting investors, and bolstering the industrial sector.

“We are committed to building on past successes while accelerating the adoption of technology to improve governance, reduce clearance times, and lower production costs,” Amawi stated. “Our goal is to create a competitive business environment that stimulates investment and drives economic growth.”

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English