Egypt’s Tax Authority has signed a cooperation protocol with the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association. The agreement reflects the Egyptian government’s broader commitment—through the Ministry of Finance—to fostering stronger public-private partnerships and modernizing tax administration in line with international best practices.
Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, described the protocol as a tangible step toward establishing a true partnership with the private sector. “This agreement marks a critical milestone in deepening mutual trust between the government and business leaders,” Abdel Aal said at the official signing. “It creates a framework that serves shared interests and ultimately supports the national economy.”
Abdel Aal praised the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association for its role as a vital representative of the investment community. She emphasized that the association acts as a strong and credible voice for prominent investors from both Egypt and Lebanon. Through this agreement, the Tax Authority aims to facilitate smoother tax procedures, enhance direct communication with association members, and expedite the resolution of issues that may arise during tax-related transactions.
As part of the agreement, several mechanisms have been established to support the business community. These include simplification of administrative procedures to increase transparency and improve the investment climate, as well as technical support and outreach programs to help members of the association better understand existing tax laws and regulations. Additionally, the protocol calls for the organization of workshops and training sessions to clarify recent updates in the tax framework.
To ensure continuous dialogue and effective issue resolution, the agreement stipulates regular meetings between the two parties to identify obstacles facing the private sector and jointly develop actionable solutions. A joint committee will also be formed to monitor implementation and reinforce collaboration over time.
“This partnership is not a one-time event, but a continuation of our broader reform efforts,” Abdel Aal added. “We remain committed to transparency, engagement, and responsiveness. The Tax Authority welcomes all economic entities as partners in driving investment and national growth.”
She also revealed that the Authority is currently preparing a second package of tax facilitations, which will soon be presented for public dialogue. “We are reviewing the proposals and feedback submitted by the business community and encourage further ideas and suggestions.” she stated.
Abdel Aal reaffirmed the Authority’s willingness to organize technical workshops and training sessions tailored to the specific needs of the association. She also underlined the importance of the Authority’s binding preliminary opinions, which provide legal clarity for investors and help them make informed decisions with confidence.
The business community welcomed the protocol with enthusiasm. Representatives of the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association expressed appreciation for the Egyptian Tax Authority’s sustained educational outreach, particularly its simplified communication via official digital platforms and public awareness seminars. They also commended the professionalism and responsiveness of regional tax centers, which they said have played a significant role in resolving cases quickly and flexibly.
Dr. Zeinab El-Ghazaly, Chair of the Women’s Committee and Member of the Association’s Board of Directors, noted that Lebanese investments in Egypt have now surpassed $5 billion, in addition to joint ventures with Egyptian companies. She emphasized that this level of cross-border economic integration reflects the depth and strength of the bilateral partnership, and she reiterated the Association’s full support for continued collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Tax Authority.
Rami Fathallah, Chairman of the Association’s Tax and Finance Committee, praised the Authority’s efforts to ease tax burdens and create a more investor-friendly environment. He said that the Association looks forward to the forthcoming tax facilitation measures and called on all member companies to submit any tax-related concerns or suggestions, which the Association will address directly with the Tax Authority through the new joint mechanisms outlined in the protocol.
Representing the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association were Dr. Zeinab El-Ghazaly (on behalf of Association Chairman Eng. Fathallah Fawzy), Rami Fathallah, Mohamed Ibrahim Fathallah, Executive Director Amr Fayed, and Media Advisor Said Al-Atrash, alongside other committee members. From the Egyptian Tax Authority, attendees included Dr. Ashraf El-Zayat, Head of the Tax Audit Sector; Abdel Mageed Tayea, Head of Regions, Centers and Ports; Maha Abdel Khalek, Director of the Website and Media Unit; Mostafa Kosh, Director of the Technical Office for VAT; and Mohamed Sorour, Chief of Staff and Head of the Preliminary Opinion Unit.
