Customs procedures facilitated for pilgrims, Egyptian expats returning from abroad: Finance Minister

All ports will be connected to a unified electronic platform

Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait directed that the continuation of facilitating customs procedures for Egyptian pilgrims on Saturday, as pilgrims have been steadily returning to the country as of last Tuesday.
He also called for expediency in processing the return of Egyptian expats from abroad to spend the holidays with their families by benefiting from the advanced x-ray examination devices at customs ports and speeding up the completion of customs procedures in coordination with the concerned authorities.
The minister also reviewed a report on the performance of customs during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, appreciating the efforts of customs port workers who work day and night to fulfil their duties by proceeding with the optimal use of modern technology.
This includes laying the foundations for a more advanced digital work environment and governance based on connecting all ports to the unified electronic platform 'Nafetha' and the newly developed logistics centres, as well as applying the advance registration system for shipments (ACI).
This is to help with the localisation of distinguished global expertise and reduce the time of customs release — as well as the cost of the import and export process — and monitor Egyptian imports and exports.
Furthermore, Maait pointed out that it is necessary to take all facilitating, stimulating, and attractive measures for local and foreign investments, which will help maximise local production, enhance the competitive strength of Egyptian products in global markets, facilitate trade movement, and improve Egypt's classification in three important international indicators — global competitiveness, doing business, and the macroeconomic environment.
For his part, Head of the Customs Authority Al-Shahat Ghaturi said that the number of customs officials has increased as per the ministry's efforts to properly process customs in arrival halls. He also pointed out the keenness of customs port managers to be constantly present in inspection yards and logistic centres to speed up the release of goods, believing in the importance of their role in maintaining the security of the country and citizens, and protecting the local industry as a locomotive for economic development.
Moreover, he pointed out that all measures were taken to facilitate the quick release of the supplies and tools of the Fencing World Championships, which kicked off on Friday at Cairo Stadium and will run till 23 July under the auspices of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
The tournament includes the participation of representatives from 103 countries and is a testament to the success of the Ministry of Youths and Sports in organising this international tournament in an appropriate manner in Egypt.