Efforts are under way to release piling goods at all Egyptian ports, affirmed Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli.
During his visit to Alexandria Port to follow up on customs clearance of commodities and goods in the port of Alexandria, Madbouli added that all the goods stuck at the ports will be released within the upcoming few hours.
He, meanwhile, said that he personally followed up on the whole series of checks and procedures to ensure that the containers are safe.
Alexandria Port has witnessed unprecedented development, he added.
Madbouli further said that during his visit to Alexandria he paid a visit to Mahta “Station” Square, which is considered one of the most important stations in the governorate.
This square was full of street vendors and the government managed to implement a mega market for them, he added.
An integrated plan is in place to release all goods stuck at the ports, affirmed Madbouli.
Between December 1 and December 23, the government released goods from ports valued at dlrs 5 billion, he further said.
As of 24 December and until yesterday, the value of the remaining commodities stranded at ports was estimated to be at about dlrs 1.236 billion, he added.
Madbouli further affirmed that he is holding regular contacts with all ministers and the chambers of commerce in order to agree on a plan and set the priorities to release goods.
Priority will be given to food products, food manufacturing components, medicines, and production requirements in preparation for the holy fasting month of Ramadan, he added.
During his visit to Alexandria Port Saturday, Madbouli pointed out to directives issued by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to phase out letters of credit (LCs) for import finance.
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has already issued a decision last Thursday to revoke the use of LCs for imports, he went on to say.
Madbouli, meanwhile, said that he is following up on with the CBE the implementation of this decision.
As part of preparations for the holy fasting of Ramadan, various government outlets will be established to provide basic commodities at affordable prices for all citizens, added Madbouli.
There is full coordination between the ministries of supply, local development, industry and the Federation Of Egyptian Industries (FEI) in order to set up the biggest number of outlets as of this week, he further said.
An agreement has been reached to open more than 200 outlets to sell commodities at affordable prices, he said.
Commercial chains will set a corner at such outlets for selling goods at fixed prices, he noted.
He also pointed out to measures taken to order all shops and retailers to place price-tags on wares.
Madbouli underlined the need of filing complaints by citizens against some merchants that sell products at an excessively high price.
The supervisory bodies at the government will take all these complaints into consideration and will take the necessary procedures in this respect, he made it clear.
The government is exerting its utmost possible efforts to provide all necessary commodities and goods, he added.
Asked about the structural reforms of the national economy, Madbouli said that the government has a plan to secure foreign exchange sources.
He, meanwhile, said that President Sisi has approved the State Ownership Policy Document, which seeks to enhance the private sector’s participation in public investments.
The government is taking all necessary measures to facilitate the investment process in the country, Madbouli said, citing the issuance of the golden licence, which contributes to facilitating the investment process.
