(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info) The Government of Egypt has today gone live with a new digital customs process that will improve processing time and reduce costs for all exporters to the country. At the time of launch, 38,700 exporters from all over the world were registered to the new system.
The new process – the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system – is a block-chain based technology that will help fully automate the customs process for all goods entering Egypt. Using electronic data, the new system dispenses with paper documents, enabling goods to be checked and cleared before they reach Egyptian ports. The technology will also strengthen risk management systems, identifying goods before they are shipped.
The ACI system has been undergoing pilot tests since 1 April 2020. Over 20,000 companies importing goods into Egypt are registered on the new ACI system, with over 49,000 transactions having already taken place using the new technology.
Egypt has embarked on ambitious plans to transform its trade infrastructure, including the modernisation of its entire customs management system. In April 2019, the Government launched the National Single Window for Foreign Trade Facilitation (Nafeza), a single digital trade portal for all import, export and transit operations, linking up all Egypt's ports.
The transformation programme has also led to the establishment of high-tech logistics centres in Cairo, East and West Port Said, Port Tawfik, Ain Sokhna, Damietta, Dakhilah and Alexandria, ensuring that port facilities are used to transit goods rather than store them.
Independent evaluation of Nafeza shows that customs processing times have already improved by 55%, a major step in realising the Government's objective of reducing customs clearance time to less than one day.
Nafeza is recognised and supported by a range of international institutions, including the United Nations European Economic Commission (UNECE), the Center for Trade and Electronic Business Facilitation (UN / CEFACT) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Egypt is Africa's second largest importer, responsible for total imports in 2019 valued at USD 78.6 billion (World Bank-WITS). The country is the largest importer of wheat and asphalt in the world (FAO/OEC). In line with Egypt Vision 2030, launched in February 2016, Egypt plans to almost double trade in goods and services from 37% of the economy to 65%.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Maait, Egypt's Minister of Finance, says:“The implementation of the Advance Cargo Information system is a crucial step in our plans to transform Egypt's trade infrastructure. This new technology will make it much easier for companies all over the world to trade with Egypt, helping to deliver the Government's plan to create the most advanced logistics hub in the region.”
Mr. Jan Noether, the Chief Executive Officer of the German Chamber of Commerce (AHK) in Egypt, says:“This new trade facilitation technology will make it simpler, easier and cheaper for all companies exporting goods to Egypt. It shows that Egypt is not only open for business, but serious about maximising its location at the cross-roads of the world to become one of the world's great trading economies.”
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