A cooperation protocol was signed on Monday between the Chemical and Fertilizers Export Council and the Exporters and Producers Support Unit (EPSU) at the Customs Authority
The protocol was signed by the council’s Chairperson Khaled Abo El-Makarem, and Shahat Ghaturi, Head of the Customs Authority.
Abo El-Makarem said that signing this protocol comes within the framework of the Egyptian president’s directives to support and stimulate the export sector and double exports, bringing them to $100bn annually. Exporting goods is one of the main sources of the national economy and an essential element in bringing in hard currency, thus increasing the cash reserve of foreign currencies
He explained that the protocol would enhance cooperation between government agencies and export councils in terms of facilitating the flow of Egyptian exports to various foreign markets by entering new ones or expanding existing markets. This would leave a positive impact on the national economy by stimulating investment, generating jobs, and bringing in foreign currencies. This would also result in creating effective communication with exporters and producers, and eliminating the issues they are having.
According to the protocol, the Council is obligated to coordinate with the EPSU and formulate a plan to increase exports, as well as overcome the challenges of the export community with regard to customs policies and procedures, in addition to developing proposals, and presenting the exporters’ vision on legislation.
The Council is also committed, in accordance with the protocol, to propose programs and projects for technical support and training for its representatives and members. It will also update the Exporters and Customs Support Unit with any decisions issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade related to the export process or customs decisions issued by foreign bodies regarding their imports from Egypt.
On the other hand, the EPSU is obligated to facilitate the procedures of custom duties for the Council’s member companies. This includes the companies joining the approved economic operator programme, as well as the priority of accrediting these companies, in addition to providing facilitations with regard to the procedures for renewing licences issued by customs.
The protocol stipulates that there would be a point of contact from each side to be identified to follow up the implementation of the provisions of the protocol.
The duration of the protocol is two years, starting from 19 September. The protocol is renewable on the same terms agreed upon, unless one of the parties wishes to do otherwise and notifies the other party, at least six months before the end of the protocol.
