The Trade Ministry has started a review of its export subsidy program and could widen the list of goods eligible for state support, Hapi Journal reports, quoting unnamed exporters. The ministry is in talks with representatives from the building materials, construction, and chemicals and fertilizers industries to agree on which products should receive support from the government. The EGP 6 bn subsidies framework was supposed to be paying out fresh incentives this fiscal year, but faced backlash from businesses due to a lack of clarity.

The main sticking point is the government’s decision to compensate exporters via a mixture of cash, tax relief and grants. Under the new framework, exporters would receive 40% of their subsidies in cash, 30% in tax breaks and 30% in the form of grants to help them attend foreign exhibitions and acquire new land. Industry players want cash on the barrel head as was the case under the previous system, which saw the state fall behind in its payments.