Momtaz El-Saed Approves New Cuts in Public Procurements

Egypt's minister of finance, Momtaz El-Saed, issued Thursday new rules rationalising governmental spending in ministries, administrative agencies, and other public bodies. The new rules include restrictions on car purchases. "It is forbidden to buy cars equipped with special equipment, or SUVs, unless is absolutely necessary," noted a ministry press release. The minister said that public purchasing of cars would be done centrally, starting the current financial year. The creation of new private funds - monies raised by state institutions through means other than customs or taxes - is also forbidden. El-Saeed also prohibited purchases beyond allocations designed for set objectives mapped out in the public budget. The 2012/13 budget allocates LE 28.7 billion for governmental purchases.