Speaking during a logistics conference organized by the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the minister said that the government has introduced exceptional customs facilitations to ease cross-border trade, including the completion of customs procedures for transit shipments crossing ports without requiring compliance with the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) registration system.

 

Kouchouk noted that the government has also provided various alternatives to cash guarantees in a bid to simplify procedures and reduce financial burdens on investors, thereby maximizing transit trade and transforming Egypt into a global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic location and advanced infrastructure.

 

The Finance Minister added that a new package of tax and customs facilitations will be submitted to the House of Representatives within the coming weeks to support trade and transit movement and reduce customs clearance times. He explained that the package includes 40 tax and customs measures aimed at facilitating and simplifying procedures for investors and business partners, enabling them to expand and grow while supporting the growth of the Egyptian economy.

 

He further stated that the ministry is working on implementing an advanced risk management system in line with international standards to strengthen the pre-clearance customs system within a framework of trust and certainty with long-standing and distinguished partners, noting that Egypt possesses a strong electronic system that helps facilitate decision-making and accelerate procedures.

 

Kouchouk stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening governance and protecting Egypt’s borders and citizens, affirming that non-compliant goods will not be allowed into the country. He also noted that a fully automated and regularly updated database containing all customs regulations and procedures will be made available electronically within days.

 

For his part, Ahmed Elsewedy, Chairman of the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce, expressed optimism about Egypt’s promising investment opportunities, noting that investment procedures have become more efficient and that the country’s infrastructure has become increasingly attractive and conducive to growth.