File Photo: Egypt is studying limiting the use of the dollar at the country s ports to help support the pound. Al-Ahram
Kouchouk said the move marks a new step in building a trust-based partnership with the business community. He noted that the pilot phase, which began in 2022, will continue until the end of December, allowing importers and investors time to adjust their operations before the system becomes mandatory.
He highlighted that the ACI pilot for air cargo has received positive feedback from the private sector, reflecting the government’s efforts to streamline customs procedures, digitalize operations, and reduce clearance time and costs to boost Egypt’s trade competitiveness.
Kouchouk added that the ACI system at seaports is operating smoothly, with more than 2.5 million customs release certificates already issued. The system, he said, has helped cut document authentication costs abroad, ease burdens on businesses, and prevent shipment rejections caused by non-compliance with import specifications.
The minister emphasized that the new system encourages traders to complete customs procedures before cargo arrival, enabling faster and simpler declaration processing and greater use of pre-clearance mechanisms.
Kouchouk also noted that the “Nafeza” single-window digital platform now covers all trade routes, including air freight under the ACI system. The integration, he said, strengthens governance, transparency, and foreign currency planning, while blocking the entry of unidentified goods and improving product quality in Egyptian markets.
He stressed that linking Nafeza with the e-invoicing system will further enhance comprehensive economic governance.
Meanwhile, Customs Authority Head Ahmed Amoui urged importers, customs brokers, and air freight agents to register for the ACI system through the Nafeza platform. He stated that the goal is to facilitate import procedures, support the domestic industry, and eliminate harmful practices that affect international trade.
A mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to arrive in Cairo this November to begin discussions on completing the fifth and sixth reviews of the current $8 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), along with the first review of the newly approved $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) loan.
Boosting the private sector’s role in leading the country’s economic development remains a key objective under the EFF programme.
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