Arab Republic of Egypt Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade General Organization for Export and Import Control

Eng. Hassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, with the participation of Eng. Essam El Naggar, Chairman of the General Organization for Export and Import Control, held an expanded meeting comprised representatives of (41) government agencies issuing licenses, approvals and permits to investors, for discussing activation of the electronic licensing platform and linking the relevant entities assigned to issue the approvals necessary for investors' license applications.

The meeting discussed as well the mechanisms of facilitating issuance of licenses to the investors via linking various government platforms and providing a unified account for companies that allows accessing the relevant entities, which contributes to enhancing integration between the relevant government agencies.

The Minister reviewed the new updates to the electronic system, stressing the importance of alleviating the procedural burdens, unifying the entity dealing with investors, simplifying and facilitating the procedures for obtaining all licenses.

Al-Khatib confirmed the significance of providing a smooth and integrated experience for investors through a unified platform and a single digital identity in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and all relevant authorities, indicating that fees and service charges will be determined in full transparency and clarity through the platform.

The Minister indicated that the documents will be reviewed with respect to their form by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, and reviewed technically by the competent entities, to ensure the accuracy and speed of procedures, noting the possibility of providing electronic payment through the platform, and providing a window for the entities that issue licenses.

In the conclusion of the meeting, Al-Khatib called for the necessity of using governance of the system according to the time periods for issuing the license in accordance with Prime Minister's Resolution No. 982 of 2022, along with providing a secure licensing system for investors, that enhances the investment environment and encourages attracting more local and foreign investments.