State-sponsored markets to offer low prices ahead of Ramadan

CAIRO - 27 March 2017: In preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, a series of state-sponsored commodities markets called Ahlan Ramadan, ‘Welcome Ramadan,’ will open across Egyptian governorates May 18-26, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali Moslehi announced Saturday,

according to Al-Ahram

.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for 30 days, is slated to begin in late May.

The new initiative comes in response to directives from Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to ensure the availability of basic commodities at discounted prices during Ramadan, the minister said during a Saturday press conference.

In addition to the Ahlan Ramadan markets, another market for basic goods will be held at the Cairo Conference Center in Nasr City May 23-26, and the day before, May 22 will be allocated for importers interested in buying Egyptian goods.

The minister affirmed that Egypt has strategic commodity reserves to last the next few months, pointing out that coordination is already underway between the Supply Ministry and supermarket and other commercial chain heads in a bid to reduce the prices of basic commodities under the slogan, “Citizens Come First.”

The state-sponsored temporary market initiative, supported by the chamber of commerce, was first held last year.