The division head said the meeting examined the direct effect of the decision on supply inside the local market, and that the Chamber submitted a detailed memorandum carrying traders’ proposals on the timetable.
The ministry’s representative stressed that the new rules aim at transparency in the supply chain rather than at fixing prices, and that breaches will go to the Consumer Protection Agency.
The Chamber’s view
The meeting closed by forming a joint Chamber–ministry committee, meeting weekly to follow implementation and reporting monthly to the federation’s board.
Verdict
The fair, reviewed
Well organised, and busier than expected.
- Organisation 8.8
- Turnout 8.0
What we liked
- A wide turnout
What we didn’t
- Cramped floor space
The small trader is not asking for a subsidy. He is asking for one clear rule that does not change every three months.
He added that stock turnover improved by close to 12% over the last quarter, but that the cost of finance remains the first obstacle to expansion in the governorates.
Where the divisions stand
- fully digital shop licensing among next quarter’s priorities
- A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
- A monthly report to the federation’s board
Analysts expect no immediate effect on consumer prices: current stock covers market needs at least to the end of next quarter.
Ahmed El-Shahbandar
Samy Guirguis
Hala Soliman