The Ismail government signed off on amendments to the Companies Act during its weekly meeting on Thursday, according to a statement. The amendments, which were first instituted by the Investment Ministry last month, would see companies required to make a first call for a general assembly at least 21 days in advance. The amendments also include a new clause governing sole proprietorships, which aims to encourage SMEs, in addition to putting in place a system to allow companies to be established electronically. Other key decisions taken during the meeting include:

• Agreeing to study the possibility of establishing a holding company to collect and recycle waste within three months;
• Approving amendments to the Civil Status Act to connect citizens’ national ID number with the services they are entitled to;
• Approving amendments to the law establishing the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education;