Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly led a meeting focused on strategies to combat smuggling and protect local producers. Key ministers discussed the impact of smuggled goods on domestic manufacturing and proposed new measures for regulation at customs. Reports indicated significant successes by the Customs Authority in addressing smuggling in 2024, highlighting the urgency of effective governance in this domain.
On Monday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly convened a meeting to discuss strategies to combat smuggling and the infiltration of illegal goods into Egyptian markets. The purpose of the gathering was to review current efforts and propose actions aimed at protecting local manufacturers from the consequences of smuggling.
Prominent attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait, Minister of Investment and International Trade Hassan El-Khatib, Suez Canal Economic Zone Chairperson Waleid Gamal El-Din, alongside officials from various ministries and agencies involved in this critical issue.
Minister Kamel El-Wazir reported on the Ministerial Committee for Industrial Development’s receipt of numerous complaints regarding the growing presence of smuggled goods. He shared specific instances illustrating the detrimental effects of smuggling on local producers and proposed various measures to counter this significant challenge.
Additionally, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Investment suggested several regulations that are to be enacted at ports and customs points. These measures include tighter controls on personal imports, aimed at improving oversight and curtailing violations in the system.
Prime Minister Madbouly directed officials to hasten the finalization of these proposed regulations for subsequent presentation and approval by the Cabinet of Ministers. He underscored the urgency of implementation and the necessity for a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Cabinet Spokesperson Mohamed El-Homsani disclosed that the meeting also reviewed the Egyptian Customs Authority’s achievements in addressing smuggling in 2024, during which approximately 58,800 smuggling cases were reported, yielding EGP 4.84 billion in customs revenue. The smuggled items comprised narcotics, alcohol, cigarettes, textiles, weapons, and various other goods, ranging from pharmaceuticals to automobiles and chemicals.
In conclusion, the Egyptian government is actively seeking to strengthen measures against smuggling to protect domestic manufacturers. The collaborative efforts of various ministries emphasize the significance of implementing rigorous controls at ports and customs points. With substantial achievements recorded by the Egyptian Customs Authority, the focus remains on safeguarding local industry against illicit competition and ensuring compliance with the proposed regulatory framework.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
