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The Ministry of Supply announces rising building-material prices

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.

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

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.

What it means for traders

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.

Transparency in the supply chain is not a burden on the market; it is what protects it from monopoly.
Dr Mona Abdel-Hakim, economic adviser

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

  • export facilities into African markets 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.

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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