Egypt and South Korea have partnered to establish a cutting-edge digital trade facilitation platform, under a new $11 million grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The agreement, formalized this week during an official signing ceremony attended by the Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, KOICA’s Egypt Office, and the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), marks a major step toward digitizing Egypt’s import inspection and tracking systems in alignment with international standards.
A Digital Leap for Egyptian Trade
The project, slated for implementation from 2025 through 2029, will deploy a Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) digital system for non-food industrial goods, as well as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for GOEIC labs, and a full traceability platform for industrial products in the local market.
“This digital transformation project will simplify import inspection procedures and position Egypt as a more agile and competitive trading partner on the global stage,” said a spokesperson from Egypt’s Ministry of Planning.
Pillars of the Digital Platform
The project includes the development and deployment of:
- e-RBI System: A risk-based digital inspection system for non-food industrial imports, improving speed, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
- LIMS: A fully integrated Laboratory Information Management System to digitize the internal processes and data handling across GOEIC laboratories.
- Product Traceability System: A digital platform to enable real-time tracking and verification of industrial goods in the domestic market, enhancing consumer safety and market transparency.
Strategic Significance for Egypt’s Trade Policy
This collaboration aligns with Egypt’s broader goals of trade digitization, regulatory reform, and international integration. It also supports the country’s efforts to streamline border processes in line with the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
The grant further builds on Egypt’s deepening partnership with South Korea, particularly in the fields of technology, governance, and infrastructure development.
“Through KOICA, the Republic of Korea is proud to support Egypt’s digital trade transformation journey,” said the KOICA Egypt Office, highlighting the initiative as a model for South–South cooperation and sustainable development.
Toward a Smarter Trade Ecosystem
With increasing global demand for efficient, tech-driven customs and inspection systems, the new platform is expected to significantly reduce clearance times, cut red tape, and improve regulatory predictability—making Egypt a more attractive destination for global supply chains and foreign direct investment.
As Egypt continues to roll out export-centric reforms and digitize its commercial landscape, the KOICA-backed initiative underscores a shared vision for a smarter, more transparent, and globally integrated Egyptian economy.
