Egypt working to secure discounted food products for Ramadan

CAIRO: The Egyptian government is working to secure discount deals with major food producers and global suppliers for bulk orders in the run-up to the holy month of Ramadan.
Among items on Cairo’s shopping list was yameesh, a variety of nuts imported from Syria and other Levant countries used in Egyptian iftar dishes.
Faten Mahrous, an official at the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, told Arab News: “We are intensifying efforts to search for local and global companies to provide large quantities of various food items, especially Ramadan yameesh, at reduced prices in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan.
“This is in addition to the ministry providing meat and poultry products in large quantities keeping in view the increased consumption rates of goods and meats during the holy month.
“The ministry is currently coordinating with the governorates to establish Hello Ramadan tents and exhibitions across all governorates to offer goods at lower than market rates,” she said.
Fayez Bakri, another official at the ministry, said: “Authorities have imported around 250,000 tonnes of raw sugar for the benefit of government-linked entities, where the sugar is refined and made available at consumer outlets and branches of affiliated companies spread across the country, to be sold at reduced prices.
“This is part of the government’s plan to bolster the strategic stock of sugar.
“The ministry is also planning to buy large quantities of cooking oil to provide it at reduced prices. It is working to offer all basic goods with a secure strategic stock that meets the needs of citizens for long periods.
“Ramadan exhibitions will be held in every governorate, and their aim is to increase the availability and supply of food products and goods,” Bakri added.
Food industry expert, Jamal Fahmy, said: “There will be coordination to provide mobile vehicles loaded with food items and fresh and frozen meat products for citizens in squares and places where consumer outlets are not available.
“The Egyptian government is trying to control prices. Authorities have intensified regulatory campaigns to confront any violations that may harm consumer rights.
“Judicial police vehicles will patrol the markets to ensure that traders comply with the rules, and tickets will be issued to violators. Citizens cannot bear any potential price increases during the holy month,” Fahmy added.