Finance Minister Mohamed Maait ordered the continuation of easing customs procedures for Egyptian pilgrims on Saturday, as pilgrims have been steadily returning to the country since last Tuesday.
He also called for expediency in the process of returning Egyptian expatriates from abroad to spend the holidays with their families by making use of advanced X-ray examination devices at customs ports and speeding up the completion of customs procedures in coordination with relevant authorities.
The minister also considered the report on the work of customs during the Eid al-Adha holiday, appreciating the efforts of customs port workers who work day and night to fulfill their obligations with the optimal use of modern technology.
This includes laying the foundation for a more advanced digital working environment and management based on the connection of all ports to a single electronic platform ‘Nafetha’ and newly developed logistics centers, as well as the implementation of the Advance Registration of Shipments (ACI) system.
This will help localize prominent global expertise and reduce customs clearance time — as well as import and export process costs — and monitor Egyptian imports and exports.
Furthermore, Maait emphasized that it is necessary to take all facilitating, stimulating and attractive measures for domestic and foreign investments, which will help to maximize local production, strengthen the competitive strength of Egyptian products in global markets, facilitate trade movement and improve Egyptian classification in three important international indicators — global competitiveness, business and macroeconomic environment.
For his part, the head of the Customs Administration, Al-Shahat Ghaturi, said that the number of customs officers has increased in line with the ministry’s efforts to properly process customs at the arrival halls. He also emphasized the desire of customs port managers to be constantly present in inspection yards and logistics centers in order to speed up the release of goods, believing in the importance of their role in preserving the safety of the country and citizens, and protecting the domestic industry. as a locomotive of economic development.
Moreover, he pointed out that all measures have been taken to allow the quick release of supplies and tools for the World Fencing Championship that started on Friday at the Cairo Stadium and will last until July 23 under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
The tournament includes the participation of representatives from 103 countries and testifies to the success of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in organizing this international tournament in an appropriate manner in Egypt.
