Egypt’s Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait has confirmed that 400 major import companies have joined the country’s new Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) customs system since it was launched tentatively on April 1.
Maait said that requests to import any shipment through the ACI system have not been rejected.
The minister said that the Egyptian government aims to transform the country into a modern global logistics hub by continuing the implementation of the national project to modernize and automate the customs administration system by connecting all ports electronically through the “Nafeza” platform.
The mandatory application of ACI pre-registration system for shipments in seaports will be launched on July 1 in a move that will eliminate harmful practices in international trade.
From this date onwards, only goods registered through the system will be allowed to enter Egypt.
Importers and customs brokers should therefore, expedite their registration in the new system, which will help speed up pre-clearance of procedures before the arrival of goods at ports.
The move will improve Egypt’s ranking in international indicators, stimulate the investment climate and maximize the competitiveness of the country’s exports.
Separately, Minister of Trade and Industry Nevin Jameh met with President of the Economic and Social Council of Lebanon (ECOSOC) Charles Arbid.
The meeting showcased ways to boost joint economic cooperation in fields of commerce, industry, investment and services.
