Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade has announced the launch of the Foreign Trade Procedures Portal, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and funded by the United Kingdom.
The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, facilitate foreign trade, and improve Egypt’s overall business environment.
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid, attended the launch and described the portal as a significant milestone in simplifying import and export procedures, while strengthening the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.
He noted that the platform represents a key component of the country’s broader digital transformation agenda within the trade sector and complements national efforts to expand export capacity.
In his remarks, the minister emphasised that the portal reflects the government’s commitment to implementing comprehensive structural reforms aimed at improving procedural efficiency and enhancing the quality of services provided to investors and stakeholders engaged in foreign trade.
He added that the platform delivers a qualitative advancement in providing clear, accessible, and centralised information on import, export, and transit procedures, thereby reinforcing transparency and streamlining processes for the business community.
Minister Farid further highlighted that Egypt continues to honour its commitments under the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which it joined in 2019 pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 553 of 2018.
He noted that the launch of the portal builds upon a sustained programme of reforms that has progressed steadily in recent years.
The portal provides comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information on the requirements and practical steps for completing import, export, and transit operations.
It also identifies the relevant authorities and contact points, helping to reduce time, effort, and costs for businesses, the minister said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Egypt’s obligations under Article 1 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, particularly with regard to the publication and accessibility of trade-related information through electronic means, thereby strengthening transparency and ease of access.
