Opinion

The importers division reviews export facilities into African markets

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.

Chamber figures put the number of registered businesses at 41,000, up by 3,400 on last year, most of them in retail and logistics.

A number of importers argue that the proposed timetable needs a transition period of at least six months, so that small businesses can adapt their accounting systems.

What happens next

Analysts expect no immediate effect on consumer prices: current stock covers market needs at least to the end of next quarter.

Commodity Last week This week
Steel 41,200 42,000
Cement 3,850 3,900
Staple prices
Every day of delay in customs release costs an importer more than any tax cut saves him.
Samy Guirguis, importers division

The meeting closed by forming a joint Chamber–ministry committee, meeting weekly to follow implementation and reporting monthly to the federation’s board.

The figures in brief

  • lower customs release costs among next quarter’s priorities
  • A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
  • A monthly report to the federation’s board

The Chamber had earlier launched a trader training programme on e-invoicing, taken up by more than 2,100 participants across six governorates.

Written by

Karim Fouad

Markets correspondent · 25 stories · 6,457 followers

Markets correspondent at Bayt Al Toggar, following market decisions and what they do to trade and supply in Cairo.

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