The event, chaired by Abdel-Sadek El-Shourbagi, the head of the NPA, focused on priority issues and reviewed the ministry's plans to improve the quality of life for Egyptian citizens in line with the national development agenda.

During the seminar, Minister Kouchouk highlighted the various challenges faced by the ministry and pinpointed successful strategies to address them.

He also highlighted the ministry's efforts in implementing fiscal policies that stimulate economic growth and improve citizens' living standards through social protection programmes, as directed by the government.

Moreover, Kouchouk acknowledged the national press' vital role as a key component of the country's soft power and as a primary tool for enlightenment, education, and raising awareness.

He stressed the importance of maintaining national journalism's role in addressing current challenges, particularly in the Arab region.

Kouchouk added that the ministry's relationship with the National Press Authority is built on mutual respect and continuous support, expressing hopes for further constructive collaboration in the future.

Furthermore, he outlined the ministry's key priorities to benefit citizens, investors, and the Egyptian economy.

These priorities include establishing a strong partnership between the Egyptian Tax Authority and the business community based on trust, support, and improved services for taxpayers.

The minister reported positive feedback on the first package of tax facilitation measures, set to be fully implemented in the current fiscal year.

He noted that the ministry reintroduced a sample audit system for all taxpayers and launched a central electronic offset system for government receivables and debts to enhance investor liquidity.

Additionally, he reviewed plans to simplify the closure of tax files dating back to before 2020 in a fair and balanced manner, indicating that the Egyptian Tax Authority is revising certain administrative decisions to build greater taxpayer trust.

Kouchouk also emphasized the importance of neutral institutions for evaluating the progress of tax reforms and maintaining regular communication with all segments of the tax community.

He highlighted the need for investment in human resources and linked the new reward system to the quality of services provided to taxpayers.

In addition, the minister said a comprehensive and simplified system will be established for the first time for startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and professionals with annual revenues of up to EGP 15 million.

This system will include new incentives and exemptions across various tax categories, such as income tax, value-added tax, and stamp duty.

Kouchouk also confirmed that the ministry will set a maximum penalty for late payments that do not exceed the principal tax amount to ensure taxpayers are not burdened by excessive costs due to tax audits or prolonged dispute resolutions.

He expressed the ministry's commitment to encouraging unregistered taxpayers to register without imposing past tax obligations and allowing them to rectify their status before audits.

The minister announced that the new packages of facilitation measures will be revealed in the coming weeks. They will address challenges in customs and property taxes and benefit both citizens and investors.