Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, inaugurated the new online portal and automated system for the Environmental Verification Unit's services today, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, with participation from Microsoft and implementation by Interact Technology Solutions.
The event was attended by Engineer Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry, Engineer Mahmoud Badawy, representing the Minister of Communications, and Engineer Essam El-Naggar, Chairman of the General Authority for Export and Import Control, along with several heads of authorities and representatives from partner companies.
Details of the Event
The Minister of Investment confirmed that the launch of the project comes in response to directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, aimed at enhancing digital transformation and simplifying government procedures. He noted that the project seeks to improve the investment climate and increase the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.
He also explained that the project represents an important institutional step in developing the infrastructure for foreign trade, by providing environmental verification and certification services through a more efficient and transparent digital system.
Background & Context
This initiative comes amid rapid transformations in global trade, where adherence to environmental standards is becoming increasingly important. Reports have indicated that Egyptian companies need to adapt to these new requirements, especially in markets that adopt more advanced standards.
The minister pointed out that certifications and compliance-related services are no longer just regulatory procedures; they have become competitive tools that enhance the reliability of Egyptian products in global markets.
Impact & Consequences
The project is expected to facilitate business community access to services, thereby reducing the time and costs associated with procedures. It also enhances the authority's ability to provide more consistent and clear services, positively impacting foreign trade activities.
The minister emphasized that the project aligns with Egypt's commitment to implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement, reflecting the state's efforts to improve procedural efficiency and enhance transparency.
Regional Significance
This project serves as a model for the Arab region, where many countries are striving to enhance digital transformation in their government services. This trend underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing services for investors.
In conclusion, the Minister of Investment affirmed that Egypt is committed to developing faster and more transparent government services, which will enhance the business environment and attract more investments.