Egypt exempts 3 crops from legumes exports ban

CAIRO - 31 March 2020: Minister of Industry and Trade Nevine Gamea exempted green beans, peas, and peanuts from the decree banning legumes exports for three months to fulfill local demand in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gamea stated on Sunday that debt installments of small businesses will be postponed for three months, and that if needed, the duration will be prolonged.

The minister added that there is currently increasing demand on food, and medical equipment and products. Hence, if any factory wants to expand its production capacity, it can be granted a loan after a certain committee inspects the lines and ensures the size of the loan is suitable and is going to the right place.

The minister affirmed that factories hit by the crisis will be accommodated, and that the president stressed the necessity to make room for local industries, and not resort to imports in light of the increasing demand on certain goods driven by the coronavirus crisis.

Egypt had allocated LE 100 billion to face the coronavirus crisis, and its repercussions on the economy. Earlier this month, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) decreased interest rates from 12 percent to nine percent.