Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, affirmed that the government is pursuing fiscal policies aimed at stimulating investment, boosting production and exports, noting that export support reached EGP 28 billion during FY2025/2026, representing an annual growth rate of 55%, as part of the state's efforts to accelerate economic growth, enhance competitiveness and maintain fiscal stability.

Speaking during the inaugural meeting of the Joint Committee between the Ministry of Finance and the Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink), the Minister said that budget allocations reflect the government's priorities of supporting growth, strengthening the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and preserving fiscal stability. He added that the Economic Ministerial Group operates as one integrated team, working in close coordination to create a more attractive business environment for the private sector through continuous cooperation with all ministries and relevant authorities to integrate national economic priorities into government programs, initiatives and day-to-day operations.

 

Kouchouk stressed that the government remains committed to advancing structural reforms to deliver tangible improvements in economic performance and citizens' living standards. He noted that the business community has responded positively to the Tax Facilities Initiative, reflecting growing confidence in the government's reform agenda.

 

He added that tax revenues increased by 28% during the last fiscal year without imposing any new tax burdens, demonstrating stronger economic activity and higher levels of voluntary tax compliance and taxpayer satisfaction.

 

The Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance's commitment to maintaining direct engagement with exporters and investors to address any challenges they face and translate government policies into tangible outcomes that benefit the business community.

 

Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, said that the second package of tax facilities represents another step toward strengthening the partnership of trust between the tax administration and taxpayers through greater incentives and simplified procedures. She noted that the package includes practical solutions to a range of tax-related challenges and that the Authority is fully prepared to implement it immediately upon the issuance of the relevant legislation, alongside several facilitation measures that have already been introduced without requiring legislative amendments.

 

She explained that the package includes extending the Tax Dispute Settlement Law until the end of next December, allowing the solidarity contribution to be deducted from the tax base to reduce taxpayers' burdens, and extending the suspension of VAT collection on machinery and equipment used in industrial production and medical devices from two years to four years.

 

Meanwhile, Ahmed Amawi, Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify customs procedures and reduce average customs clearance times through an advanced risk management system that supports pre-arrival customs clearance. He added that priority clearance is granted to distinguished companies under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, while inspections are limited to documentary examination in the yellow channel and X-ray inspection in the green and blue channels.

 

Nevine Mansour, Advisor to the Minister of Finance for Relations with Economic Institutions, said that the government has disbursed EGP 70 billion to exporters over the past six years, including EGP 12.6 billion during the last fiscal year, with the aim of settling all outstanding export subsidy arrears within the next two years, reflecting the state's commitment to strengthening exports and enhancing their competitiveness.

 

For his part, Mohamed Kassem, Chairman of the Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink), reviewed the key challenges facing Egyptian exporters and expressed appreciation for the government's tax and customs reforms, emphasizing that expanding exports is a key driver of economic development through increasing production, attracting investment, generating foreign currency revenues and opening new markets for Egyptian products. He added that strengthening the country's export capacity contributes to achieving comprehensive economic development, creating jobs and improving citizens' quality of life.

 

Dr. Samir Aref, Vice Chairman of Expolink, underscored the importance of encouraging corporate mergers through supportive policies that simplify and accelerate procedures while removing regulatory obstacles, thereby ensuring business sustainability, strengthening competitiveness in domestic and international markets and increasing companies' contribution to the national economy.