Egypt’s ETA highlights reforms, new tax facilitation measures in China business forum 

Egypt’s Tax Authority (ETA) is advancing digital transformation and preparing a new package of facilitation measures to strengthen compliance and support investors, chairperson Rasha Abdel Aal said during a meeting with the Chinese business community on Tuesday.

Abdel Aal said the authority launched its digitalisation drive in 2018, based on five pillars including electronic systems, workforce training and the unified tax procedures law. She added that while last year’s review showed “major successes,” the focus now is on deeper engagement with businesses under principles of transparency and partnership.

The first package of facilitation measures allowed companies to submit or amend declarations for 2020–2024 without penalties, resulting in 650,000 returns worth 80 billion Egyptian pounds ($1.05 billion), according to ETA. The step boosted voluntary compliance, with more early submissions recorded last tax season, Abdel Aal said. Work is underway on a second package, currently under consultation.

She stressed that tax policy stability and unchanged rates remain central priorities, alongside efforts to integrate the informal economy using modern electronic systems and risk-based monitoring tools.

Cao Huai, managing director of TEDA Egypt, said the initiative offers an important platform for direct dialogue with authorities. Omar Wang, executive vice president of the Egyptian-Chinese Entrepreneurs Association (ECEA), added that a cooperation protocol signed with ETA earlier this year is helping address investor concerns.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser