FinMin directs state coffers to only pay suppliers who pay their taxes: Finance Minister Mohamed Maait has ordered state auditors to ensure that only suppliers who regularly pay their taxes are paid for any goods and services delivered to state bodies, according to a circular seen by the press. Suppliers of medical goods, maintenance and spare parts, cleaning and security services, and food were singled out by the memo, among others.

A potential obstacle to the private sector? This requirement will tie the hands of private suppliers and add a bureaucratic layer by requiring them to get clearance from the Tax Authority every time they get a new purchase order, Mahmoud Gaballah, tax expert at auditing firm Mazars Egypt, said. According to Gaballah, the move is unnecessary as a similar requirement is already covered by proposed the new unified tax payment law currently under discussion in the House of Representatives.