2007年-世界发展银行全球_Egypt_-_Setting_Up_a_Postal_Policy_Unit_within_the_Ministry_of_Communication_and_Information_Technology_61页_698kb

Summary of Setting-Up a Postal Policy Unit within the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt

Core Content

This document outlines the establishment of a Postal Policy Unit within the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) in Egypt, with the aim of developing and implementing a comprehensive postal policy. It is based on the World Bank's technical assistance and aligns with the Universal Postal Union (UPU)'s draft postal policy and international best practices. The unit is intended to address policy, regulation, and ownership issues during a transition period, which is expected to last no longer than two years.

The key areas of focus include:

• Market structure and growth
• Universal postal service (UPS) definition, scope, and funding
• Legal and regulatory framework
• Competition and licensing
• Postal financial services and their role in the sector
• Synergies with the Telecommunications Policy Unit (TPU)
• Stakeholder engagement and international collaboration

The document emphasizes the need for a structured dialogue with sector stakeholders, including the Egyptian National Post Office (ENPO), private sector operators, unions, customers, and international bodies such as the UPU and WTO.

Main Objectives and Mission

The Postal Policy Unit is tasked with:

1. Defining and implementing postal policy in line with international standards and best practices.
2. Analyzing the current state of the postal sector, including market structure, operational performance, and financial status.
3. Developing a legal and regulatory framework that supports a transition from a monopoly to regulated competition.
4. Enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the postal network, especially in the context of digital transformation and public-private partnerships.
5. Establishing a clear definition of universal service obligations (USOs), including cost evaluation and funding mechanisms.

Key Areas of Intervention

1. Policy Agenda

• Market Structure and Growth: The unit must analyze the market, including supply and demand, the role of the postal sector in supporting other industries, and the potential for growth through private sector participation and sector liberalization.
• Universal Service Access: Define the scope and standards of universal postal services (UPS), based on the UPU Convention and international benchmarks.
• Legal Framework: Develop or improve legislation to define the universal service obligation, ensure financial sustainability, and support regulatory oversight.

2. Regulatory Agenda

• Competition and Licensing: Establish a license/authorization regime that encourages competition while maintaining universal service obligations.
• Universal Service Safeguard and Compensation: Define tariffs, cost accounting, and compensation mechanisms for the universal service provider (USP).
• Customer Protection: Ensure fair treatment, transparency, and affordability for postal users, including rural and urban populations.

3. Ownership Agenda

• Performance of the Operator: Assess the operational efficiency of ENPO and other postal operators.
• Corporate Strategy: Prepare for a corporate restructuring of ENPO, possibly corporatization, to enhance market orientation and flexibility.
• Regulatory Independence: Consider the need for an independent regulatory body separate from the owner and policy maker to ensure impartial oversight.

Organization and Budget

• The Postal Policy Unit will be structured with a clear organizational chart, job descriptions, and budget needs.
• Capacity building will be a priority to ensure the unit has the expertise and resources to carry out its functions.
• Short-term priorities include:
  • Tariff policy
  • Universal service definition and funding mechanism
  • State of competition
  • Authorization and licensing
  • Enabling legislation

Medium-Term Policy Issues

• Transition from a partially regulated monopoly to regulated competition.
• Spin-off regulation from the policy-making body.
• ENPO restructuring: Consider corporatization to improve efficiency and market responsiveness.
• Independent regulatory function: Evaluate the need to separate regulation from ownership and policy-making.

International Examples and Best Practices

• The UK's Postcomm highlights the importance of government-led planning for the universal postal service, especially in rural areas.
• The EU provides a model for sector liberalization and competition, with regulated access to infrastructure and services.
• Kenya offers an example of postal service standards, including delivery time, coverage, and penetration levels.
• Slovakia defines universal service requirements in detail, though their enforceability remains questionable.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Postal Policy Unit is a strategic move to modernize Egypt's postal sector and align it with international standards. The unit will play a central role in shaping the legal, regulatory, and operational framework for the sector, with a focus on universal service, competition, and financial sustainability. Its success will depend on effective coordination, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Recommendations

• Create a clear and structured policy unit within MCIT.
• Develop a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework.
• Implement tariff policies that are cost-oriented and equitable.
• Define a universal service obligation that is realistic and measurable.
• Ensure regulated access to incumbent services where necessary.
• Consider corporatization of ENPO to improve efficiency and market orientation.
• Establish independent regulatory functions to enhance transparency and fairness.
• Engage in international collaboration and knowledge sharing with bodies like the UPU and WTO.

Key Figures and Tables

• Figure 1: Shows the current positioning of European postal incumbents across different market segments.
• Table 1: Details the degree of competition in various European postal segments.
• Table 2: Provides provisional penetration levels for Kenya's postal sector.

These tools are intended to support data-driven decision-making and policy evaluation in the Egyptian context.

Annexes and References

The document includes annexes such as:

• Draft postal sector policy (2006–2010)
• Reimbursable technical assistance agreement
• Telecommunication policies unit description
• Speech by WTO Director-General P. Lamy at the UPU Conference in Dubai (Nov. 06)

These annexes provide additional context, policy guidance, and international perspectives on the development of the Egyptian postal sector.