Standing before attendees at the third Cairo Forum, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Ahmed Rostom, outlined a dual strategy to bolster the nation’s economic standing. He argued that Egypt must simultaneously streamline domestic customs procedures while aggressively pursuing reforms in international trade governance.
Rostom, addressing the Egyptian Centre for Economic Studies, emphasized that the current global trading environment requires structural changes to benefit developing economies. He specifically called for a modernized World Trade Organization (WTO) agenda, one that restores a binding and accessible dispute settlement system. According to the minister, this system needs independent panels capable of reviewing legal findings to ensure fair international trade practices.
Prioritizing Development and Digital Trade
The minister urged the WTO to integrate economic development priorities more deeply into its core agenda. He advocated for a modernized version of “special and differential treatment” rather than the abandonment of these principles. Rostom noted that developing nations require policy space to enact time-bound industrial strategies, provided they are tied to clear performance metrics.
The discussion also turned to emerging global challenges, with Rostom highlighting the necessity for transparency regarding digital trade, climate-related regulations, and national security restrictions. He stated that digital facilitation is now a fundamental requirement for comprehensive economic development.
Domestic Reforms and Logistics
Domestically, Rostom pointed to the “Nafeza” platform as a primary driver of trade efficiency. The national single-window system integrates customs, logistics, and regulatory functions. By simplifying these procedures, the government aims to lower operational costs and improve supply chain reliability.