The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) sent a letter of complaint to the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, stating the concerns of European car manufacturers regarding the new regulations of the proposed automotive directive. EU-based manufacturers argue that the new law, which would give tax breaks and incentives to local manufacturers, would harm European car exporters in Egypt, claiming that it violates the terms of free trade agreements with the EU. These concerns are expected to be discussed during the scheduled visit of Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, to Egypt. Members of the Federation of Egyptian Industries maintained that the directive does not violate trade agreements and will not affect the Egyptian-European partnership agreement (aims to fully remove custom duties on European cars by 2019). The bill is currently being presented to the House Industry Committee. (Al Borsa)