Egypt to remove dangerous goods after Beirut’s massive explosion – minister

Egypt has started disposing of abandoned and dangerous materials at ports after the massive explosion in Beirut’s port this month, said the Finance Minister on Sunday.

“What happened in Beirut made us examine our own situation and we actually got rid of large quantities of abandoned and neglected and dangerous materials that were in the ports,” Mohamed Maait told parliament.

“There are materials that have been delivered to multiple ministries including oil and defence and interior, and by next December Egyptian ports will be completely cleaned,” Maait said, adding that new customs procedures would also improve controls at ports.

“We will know who the exports are arriving to, with a response from us to external ports within 48 hours. The shipments would not be transferred from ports of export without an approval from Egyptian authorities,” he said, adding that the system will be implemented electronically within four to six months.

“Much has been achieved in this matter, but some issues still need time,” he added. “We have already disposed of huge amounts of banned arms and fireworks.”