In a significant signal of Egypt’s accelerating economic reforms, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, announced that customs clearance times have been slashed from 16 days to just 5.8 days — a key milestone in the country’s drive to improve trade efficiency and attract foreign investment.
The announcement came during high-level talks in Cairo with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as part of ongoing efforts to boost Egypt’s competitiveness and expand strategic cooperation with international financial institutions.
Focus on Investment-Trade Integration and Privatization
Minister El-Khatib emphasized Egypt’s integrated approach to linking investment and trade policy as dual engines of sustainable growth. Central to this strategy is the government’s privatization program, which aims to increase private sector participation through improved corporate governance and more effective management of state-owned enterprises.
He highlighted the role of the Egypt Sovereign Fund in maximizing asset value and securing long-term economic returns for future generations.
Industrial Sector Offers Strong Investment Case
El-Khatib pointed to the industrial sector as a promising investment frontier, noting Egypt’s skilled labor force and engineering talent as critical assets. These competitive advantages are positioning Egypt to become a regional hub for engineering and intermediate manufacturing, bolstering export capabilities and attracting high-value investments.
FDI Strategy Yielding Results
According to the minister, Egypt’s foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy is under continuous development, with a data-driven focus on high-potential sectors. The country has already seen a notable increase in FDI inflows in 2025, and the government is working to double investment levels through stable, investor-friendly policies.
Customs Reform and Trade Facilitation
The headline achievement discussed with the EBRD was Egypt’s success in reducing the time required for products to enter the local market from 16 days to just 5.8 days — with a goal of reaching 2 days by the end of the year.
This is part of a broader effort to make Egypt one of the top 50 countries globally in trade competitiveness, leveraging a network of trade agreements while ensuring balance between supporting exports and protecting local industries, in line with WTO guidelines.
Digitalization and Regulatory Streamlining
El-Khatib underscored the centrality of digital transformation in Egypt’s reform program. A new electronic licensing platform has already issued 389 licenses in just 20 days, featuring full e-payment integration. The ministry is now reengineering procedures to reduce bureaucracy, cut delays, and improve the overall business climate.
He also announced the forthcoming launch of a “Unified Economic Entities Platform”, a single digital gateway for investors across all project stages.
Preparing for the New “Business Ready” Index
Egypt is actively participating in shaping the World Bank’s “Business Ready” report, which replaces the former Doing Business index. The government has submitted reform proposals to the private sector, most of which are legislative and executable within 9 months. Finally, EBRD delegation praised Egypt’s reform momentum, particularly efforts to create a more open and competitive business environment.
