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U.S. Supports Egypt's 'One-Stop Shop'
United States contributed computers, equipment, expertise
Nasr City, Egypt, September, 14, 2003 – Egypt’s Prime Minister Atef Ebeid and Minister of Finance Mohamed Medhat Hassanein today inaugurated the Model Customs and Tax Center (MCTC), an initiative by the Egyptian government that represents a major stride forward in modernizing tax administration in Egypt. United States officials today congratulated Egypt on the formal opening and proudly noted the supporting role played by the U.S. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided computers, office equipment, and technical advice to the MCTC.
 The MCTC is a "one-stop shop" where taxpayers can settle income taxes, sales taxes and customs in a single location with a strong emphasis on customer service. In addition to other improvements, the center will radically streamline the clearance of goods through customs by providing “pre-arrival” customs clearance on site as well as expedited refunds of taxes and duties to eligible parties. The state-of-the-art facility also provides many services via the Internet. The efficiency and convenience reduce taxpayers’ costs of doing business.
Attending the opening ceremony, USAID/Egypt Director Dr. Kenneth C. Ellis said that foreign investors should view the facility as proof that Egypt has stepped up to the challenges of the modern global marketplace. "A sound and efficient tax system is a key element for spurring exports and creating jobs," Ellis said. "The United States is honored to have played some part in supporting the Government of Egypt in making this vision into a glittering reality."
The U.S. support comes through USAID’s Partnership for Economic Reform, a $50 million initiative that began in 1997 to assist the Egyptian government in modernizing its systems of tax administration and economic statistics. The Partnership for Economic Reform’s Tax Project studied similar consolidated tax offices around the world and advised the Egyptian Ministry of Finance on successful organizational strategies including policies, procedures and computer systems. USAID also funded more than $430,000 worth of computer equipment, software, copiers, fax machines and other office equipment for the center.
Strengthening the environment for trade and investment is the United States’ number one priority in economic assistance to Egypt. Since 1975, USAID has provided more than $7 billion in financing for commodity imports, $2.3 billion in budget support to encourage economic reform, $1.2 billion to raise agricultural productivity, and $980 million in private sector and industry support. For details, see www.usaid-eg.org/detail.asp?id=8.
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