Egyptian Customs Authority aims to activate system enhancing continental free trade movement

CAIRO - 12 November 2023: The Egyptian Customs Authority (ETA) focuses on activating a system that facilitates the movement of continental free trade, which includes simplifying the movement of goods and commodities to reduce pressure on the various customs ports of member states, after Egypt joined the The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

 

This came in ETA’s Head’s, El-Shahat El-Ghatouri, speech delivered on his behalf by Ahmed Abu Al-Hassan, ETA’s Deputy Head, on the sidelines of the fourth day of the launch of the activities of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023).

 

He stated that the Customs Authority formulated a clear and unified vision in coordination with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which includes facilitating cross-border trade, which reflects on investment support and the freedom of movement of goods and goods through customs ports.

 

He pointed out that there are still hopes for implementing decisions to facilitate cross-border trade, especially since the department held meetings a few days ago with the Italian authorities to implement the RoRo agreement.

 

The term "RoRo" stands for Roll-On/Roll-Off, and the RoRo agreement typically refers to an arrangement or agreement related to the transportation of wheeled cargo, particularly vehicles, on a vessel. In a RoRo system, vehicles are driven onto the ship at the origin port, and then they are rolled off at the destination port. This is in contrast to other methods of cargo shipping where vehicles might be lifted onto and off the ship.

 

The RoRo system is commonly used for transporting a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and heavy construction equipment. It provides a more convenient and efficient way to load and unload vehicles compared to methods that involve lifting.

 

The IATF2023, which is the third edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, provides a platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over $3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to the African Union.