Egypt will launch a new export support program next week aimed at strengthening the country’s competitiveness in global markets, Finance Minister, Ahmed Kouchouk, announced Friday during a high-level meeting in Alexandria.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, is part of a broader economic strategy designed to drive industrial expansion, reduce trade bottlenecks, and position Egypt as a more attractive destination for global investment.
“Our priority is to support the private sector by creating a business environment that promotes productivity and growth,” Kouchouk told attendees at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. “This program is a critical part of that vision, especially for our exporters.”
The government says the upcoming fiscal year’s budget will include doubled allocations for industrial and export-oriented activities, signaling a more aggressive push to scale production and integrate local businesses into global supply chains.
Tax Authority Oversees Facilitation Measures
The new initiative will also streamline the country’s tax and customs systems, with Rasha Abdel-Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, playing a central role in execution. Abdel-Aal has been tasked with ensuring that administrative burdens on exporters are reduced, compliance processes simplified, and tax services modernized.
Her involvement underscores the government’s focus on reducing friction between state agencies and the private sector, a major theme of Kouchouk’s remarks.
“This is about enabling—not regulating—growth,” Kouchouk said, emphasizing that expanding the tax base would not come at the cost of higher taxes. “We’re working to foster a voluntary, cooperative system built on service quality and trust.”
Over the past 10 months, Egypt has posted a 38% increase in tax revenues, a result, officials say, of improved administration and greater private sector engagement—not new levies.
Investor-Centric Reforms
Kouchouk also reaffirmed the government’s plan to achieve a primary budget surplus of 3.5% of GDP this year. A portion of exceptional revenues is being channeled toward public debt reduction, with Egypt already trimming $3 billion in external obligations tied to budgetary institutions in 2024 alone.
The Finance Ministry is also working to consolidate the structure of revenue collection agencies, streamline procedures, and launch new digital services. These moves are expected to complement the export program by cutting red tape and improving business confidence.
Private Sector Welcomes Responsive State
Business leaders welcomed the announcement, calling it a sign that the government is serious about supporting industry.
Ahmed El-Wakeel, President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, called the policy shift “a new chapter” in public-private cooperation.
“This is a move toward a smarter, more responsive state,” El-Wakeel said. “And it sends the right signal to investors: Egypt is open for business.”
Also attending the Alexandria meeting were Sherif El-Kilany, Deputy Minister for Tax Policies; Ahmed Amawy, Head of the Customs Authority; and Alexandria Governor Ahmed Khaled, who praised the Finance Ministry’s ongoing reforms as a foundation for long-term growth.
On the Ground: Reform in Action
Following the meeting, Kouchouk toured the Alexandria Center for Large and Medium Taxpayers, where he reviewed the rollout of the ministry’s facilitation package and met with staff.
He later held a private session with a group of local exporters and small business owners, pledging that future support packages will address sector-specific challenges.
