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Egypt has completed its first comprehensive review of non-tax fees and financial obligations imposed on investors, marking a significant milestone in its economic reform agenda. Minister of Investment Hassan El-Khatib announced at the 2025 US–Egypt Policy Leaders Forum in Washington, D.C.
El-Khatib said the initiative aims to increase transparency, reduce investor burdens, and clarify financial commitments for the private sector. “This is not just about reforming fees. It’s about rebuilding trust between the state and investors,” he said.
The review fees are levied across all sectors as part of a two-phase reform plan. Key revisions include lowering the Training and Qualification Fund contribution from 1% of net profits to 0.25% of the minimum insurable wage. The social solidarity contribution will now be calculated based on net profits, not revenues, and a move designed to align cost with company performance better.
The second phase will restructure Egypt’s non-tax financial framework to simplify obligations and define long-term investor-state relationships.
El-Khatib also previewed the launch of a temporary digital licensing platform offering 389 services. This will be followed by the rollout of the comprehensive “Economic Entities” platform, supporting project life cycles from licensing through operations.
Trade facilitation reforms are also underway. Egypt plans to cut customs clearance times from 14 to 2 days by the end of 2025. In tandem, non-tariff barriers such as dropping halal certification for imported dairy and approving U.S. vehicle safety standards are being dismantled.
To boost public asset efficiency, a new package of state-owned assets will be transferred to the Sovereign Fund of Egypt as part of a broader effort to maximize returns and optimize national resource management.
With a strategic location, robust infrastructure, a skilled labor force of 31 million, and free trade access to over 70 countries, El-Khatib said Egypt is positioning itself as a regional investment and trade hub for Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
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