Expanding Amicable Settlement of Tax Disputes and Promoting Investment through Further Simplification of Procedures

Ahmed El Wakil: The Joint Committee Represents a Successful Model of Cooperation Between Government and the Business Community

 

 

Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, has decided to reconstitute the Permanent Joint Committee with the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce to further strengthen partnership with the business community and advance the implementation of tax and customs facilitation measures.

 

The move aims to accelerate the resolution of challenges facing investors, traders, and manufacturers, while improving the business environment and enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.

 

The Minister stated that the committee will work to swiftly address issues facing members of the chambers of commerce through more flexible solutions, while expanding the use of amicable settlements in tax disputes in a manner that safeguards the rights of both the state and taxpayers and reinforces trust between the tax administration and the business community.

 

Kouchouk emphasized that the government remains committed to fostering investment through further simplification and streamlining of tax and customs procedures, helping stimulate economic activity and strengthen Egypt’s competitiveness.

 

The Minister expressed his appreciation for the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, chaired by Ahmed El Wakil, praising its constructive cooperation and longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Finance in advancing tax and customs reforms.

 

He also commended the Federation’s role in coordinating joint efforts to improve services provided to the tax community, promote voluntary compliance, and attract new taxpayers into the formal economy.

 

The committee will be responsible for examining complaints related to tax and customs disputes, reviewing the procedures taken in such cases, and proposing amicable settlements or reconciliations in accordance with applicable laws, while ensuring a balanced approach that protects the interests of both the state and taxpayers.

 

It will also consider submitted cases on an expedited basis and prepare recommendations and opinions for submission to the Minister of Finance for approval.

 

In carrying out its duties, the committee may communicate with concerned parties and request the documents and information necessary to review matters under consideration.

 

The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Egyptian Tax Authority, the Egyptian Customs Authority, and the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, and is chaired by Ahmed El Wakil, President of the Federation.

 

For his part, Ahmed El Wakil stated that the decision to reconstitute the Permanent Joint Committee reflects a successful model of dialogue and cooperation between the government and the business community, underscoring the state’s commitment to listening to the private sector and addressing challenges facing investors, traders, and manufacturers.

 

He added that the Federation highly values the efforts led by Minister Ahmed Kouchouk to modernize the tax and customs systems and the unprecedented measures being implemented to simplify procedures and strengthen confidence between the government and the business community.

 

El Wakil noted that the joint committee will help accelerate the resolution of complaints and disputes and identify practical solutions that strike a balance between the rights of the state and taxpayers, while supporting efforts to attract investment and increase growth and employment rates.

 

He affirmed that the Federation will continue to convey the views and proposals of the business community from across Egypt to the committee, contributing to improved tax services, a better business climate, and a more competitive Egyptian economy.