Companies

The Cairo Chamber of Commerce reviews rising building-material prices

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

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.

How the decision came about

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

Every day of delay in customs release costs an importer more than any tax cut saves him.
Samy Guirguis, importers division

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

  • rising building-material prices among next quarter’s priorities
  • A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
  • A monthly report to the federation’s board

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.

Written by

Mona Abdel-Hakim

Editor-in-chief · 25 stories · 9,855 followers

Editor-in-chief at Bayt Al Toggar, following market decisions and what they do to trade and supply in Cairo.

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