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.
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.
The figures in brief
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.
Every day of delay in customs release costs an importer more than any tax cut saves him.
Analysts expect no immediate effect on consumer prices: current stock covers market needs at least to the end of next quarter.
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
The meeting closed by forming a joint Chamber–ministry committee, meeting weekly to follow implementation and reporting monthly to the federation’s board.
Mostafa Abdel-Latif
Reem El-Qady
Mona Abdel-Hakim