Hassan El Khatib, Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, has vowed to eliminate bureaucracy and streamline procedures to support investors and facilitate trade. His remarks came during an inspection of Ain Sokhna Port, part of his oversight of Egyptian ports. The minister received a presentation from DP World detailing enhanced customs clearance procedures and reduced release times at the port. Reforms include a joint risk management system involving all customs agencies for faster processing, and an automated export cycle integrating relevant entities and shipping partners. El Khatib met with investors, who praised recent improvements for shortening clearance times, speeding goods access, and cutting costs. They anticipate these changes will boost investment and encourage global companies to expand in Egypt. He inspected joint inspection committees and port yard operations, where regulatory bodies now complete all shipment procedures—inspection, valuation, and examination—simultaneously for efficiency. El Khatib reiterated that the strategic goal is to eradicate bureaucracy and complex procedures, unifying government efforts to serve investors and facilitate trade. He lauded agency integration as key to reducing customs clearance times. "All agencies working as one team… achieves maximum fluidity in trade movement and confirms concerted efforts to reach global clearance rates," El Khatib stated, referencing continuous operations throughout the week, including holidays. He stressed that ongoing monitoring ensures sustained high performance and addresses challenges, preserving gains in reducing cargo release time and cost. During his visit, El Khatib inaugurated the second phase of the Central Industrial Laboratories system at Ain Sokhna Port, operated by the General Organisation for Export and Import Control. He called it a "quality artery" set to boost Egypt's economic competitiveness. The minister affirmed the project embodies Egypt's commitment to a strong future economy. "We are not merely opening laboratories; we are launching a new phase of confidence… This system is the vibrant engine of the Suez Canal Economic Zone," El Khatib said. "It provides exporters with an international passport… ending reliance on external testing. It is a fundamental pillar in our ambitious strategy to achieve $145bn in exports by 2030." Essam El Naggar, Head of the General Organisation for Export and Import Control, described the 2,000 square-metre facility, comprising a two-storey building with 31 industrial laboratories, built at a cost of EGP 402.796m. El Naggar added the system marks a qualitative leap in inspection, enabling 153 highly precise laboratory tests. These cover critical areas such as automotive components, home appliance safety, and confirming consumer-contact products like toys and textiles are safe.
