Egypt’s FinMin highlights customs facilitation measures at ICD

Egypt’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Kouchouk, emphasised the government’s commitment to enhance customs efficiency as part of broader financial policies designed to stimulate growth and enhance the competitiveness.

In a speech marking the International Customs Day (ICD), read on his behalf by Sherif El-Kilani, deputy minister for tax policies and supervisor of the Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA), the minister stressed the importance of streamlining customs procedures to build trust, partnership, and support with both local and foreign business communities, according to an official statement.

He announced that the first package of customs facilitations will be launched soon as part of a comprehensive vision to drive economic activity. He added that the government is working with local and international partners to adopt global best practices, reduce customs clearance times, and lower production and export costs.

Kouchouk highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging international expertise in analysing customs clearance times for import and export operations to address challenges and enhance customs governance.

This, he noted, will encourage local and foreign private sectors to expand their production, and industrial and export activities in Egypt. He also pointed out that the development of the customs system aligns with the government’s efforts to boost the competitiveness of exported goods and services and improve the trade balance.

The minister stressed the importance of integrating tax and customs systems to facilitate business operations and stimulate private investments in the Egyptian economy.

Kouchouk expressed appreciation for the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) efforts in supporting governments to control and facilitate international trade.

Ian Saunders, secretary-general of the WCO, emphasised the importance of turning commitments into tangible actions that enhance trade facilitation and support sustainable economic growth.

He noted that efficiency, security, and prosperity are global customs goals achieved through digital services, analytical data, fair revenue collection, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama