The foodstuffs division warns of fully digital shop licensing

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.

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.

What it means for traders

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

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

• an expanded Ahlan Ramadan fair among next quarter’s priorities
• A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
• A monthly report to the federation’s board

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