We have a comprehensive and advanced customs reform program focused on streamlining and accelerating procedures to reduce clearance times

 

We have a comprehensive and advanced customs reform program focused on streamlining and accelerating procedures to reduce clearance times, supported by automated classification and valuation systems and a fully integrated risk management framework.

 

Ahmed Amawi, Commissioner of the Customs Authority, affirmed that the Authority is working on developing the customs system within a comprehensive vision to drive investment and trade. He explained that a wide-ranging and advanced reform program has been implemented, centered on facilitating and expediting procedures to shorten clearance times.

 

This came during a field tour conducted by Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, to inspect Ain Sokhna Port and follow up on ongoing development and modernization works. He was accompanied by Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairman of the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Sherif El-Kilany, Deputy Minister of Finance, and Ahmed Amawi, Commissioner of the Customs Authority.

 

The tour began with Hutchison Ports’ ceremony marking the arrival of three giant ship-to-shore (STS) cranes out of a total of six, in addition to 12 automated rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes out of 18, designated for operation at Hutchison Terminal 1 — the first fully automated terminal at Ain Sokhna Port.

 

On the sidelines of the visit, Amawi, accompanied by Hossam Gad El-Mawla, Head of the Central Administration of Suez Customs, visited the DP World building and held a meeting with port managers to review the development plan. He also visited the customs building at Ain Sokhna Port and listened to both staff and stakeholders.

 

Amawi emphasized the importance of adopting automated classification and valuation systems, along with a comprehensive risk management framework, to simplify and accelerate procedures and enhance the efficiency of customs operations. This, he noted, would ease burdens on the business community, thereby encouraging production and investment.

 

He added that the Customs Authority is working closely with producers, exporters, and importers to remove obstacles in a spirit of support and flexibility, in order to strengthen the business climate and promote investment and exports.