Egypt Finance Minister Ahmed Kouk Announces Tax Reform and Debt‑Reduction Plans

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouk told parliament that a new law will extend the deadline for settling tax disputes and simplify procedures for businesses. Taxpayers can now request settlement without having completed the dispute by 31 December, and dispute‑resolution committees will keep working on pending cases. The ministry also launched a sampling‑audit system to curb arbitrary assessments and reduce future disputes.

At the Paris Forum, Kouk said emerging markets need fairer financing and highlighted Egypt’s strategy to lower public‑debt risks. He noted that Egypt’s external debt fell by about $4 billion over the past two years and aims to cut the debt‑to‑GDP ratio to 78 % by June 2027 and to 70 % in the medium term. Private‑sector investment grew 73 % last year, and the government plans to channel any extraordinary revenues to debt reduction and social spending, while exploring innovative tools such as debt‑for‑equity swaps.

These measures are presented as part of a broader reform package to improve fiscal stability, attract investment and strengthen the partnership between the state and the business community.