Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli has reviewed progress on Egypt's customs-system reforms, stressing their importance for improving the business environment, attracting investments, and increasing exports.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouli made the remarks during his meeting with Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan el Khatib, and several officials from the two ministries. The meeting outlined key measures as part of the customs-system reforms, including expanding digital customs processes, using AI for valuation and classification, introducing electronic bills of lading, accelerating pre-clearance, enabling full electronic payments, and tightening anti-smuggling efforts.

The plan also includes new customs buildings, improved dispute-resolution committees, updated online services, and training for customs staff. Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk noted that the ACI system for air cargo is already cutting customs release times, while new incentives, installment options for customs duties, and advance rulings aim to support industry and investors.

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan el Khatib pointed out major improvements in customs clearance times, reduced in June 2025 to 5.8 days, saving $1.5 billion. He noted that the target is two working days by year-end, reducing time and cost by 90% and saving around $2.1 billion. Khatib also highlighted efforts to enhance competitiveness through lower non-tariff fees, a new multilingual electronic portal, and major expansion of testing laboratories, now 310 labs, up from 111 in 2018.