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.
The meeting closed by forming a joint Chamber–ministry committee, meeting weekly to follow implementation and reporting monthly to the federation’s board.
What happens next
The Chamber had earlier launched a trader training programme on e-invoicing, taken up by more than 2,100 participants across six governorates.
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.
What it means for traders
- easier finance for small enterprises among next quarter’s priorities
- A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
- A monthly report to the federation’s board
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.
Ahmed El-Shahbandar
Mona Abdel-Hakim