KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and other government agencies has helped significantly to preserve the prices of basic commodities, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Amani Buresli was quoted as saying the prices of commodities are below those of the neighboring countries because individuals are allowed to import commodities without any obstacles, as per fair competition policy stipulated by local commercial laws.
She explained the ministry cannot deny that global prices have risen, as maintained by Food and Agriculture Organization and other international observers. She stressed that the ministry exerts effort to alleviate the impact of prices hike to ensure the local prices are not artificial. She explained that Kuwait imports most of its needs, thus the country becomes vulnerable to any event or emergencies in the countries of import.
For this reason, Buresli said the ministry keenly follows up situation in those countries to prepare for crisis by putting in place contingency plans in case the imports are disrupted from those countries.
She pointed out that the ministry cooperates in this regard with Kuwait Bakeries and Flour Mills, the Cooperative Societies Union, and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce.
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KUWAIT CITY: The municipality’s fish display arrangement at the Mubarakiya Fish Market is not properly done and “this has led to an inappropriate hike in prices of fish as there isn’t enough room for all the sellers to display and sell,” Al-Seyassah daily quoted member of the Municipal Council Mohammad Al-Mefrej as saying.
He said only two locations have been allotted for displaying imported fish and this shortage of space led to a big chaos at the market on Tuesday morning. He added that fish imported from Pakistan were not sold because of lack of organization in the market.
Al-Mefrej said he hopes that Minister of Public Works and State Minister for Municipal Affairs Dr Fadhel Safar and other municipality officials will look into the problem and provide a suitable solution. He suggested that the market be moved to Canada Dry Street in Shuwaikh or to the old vegetables market until studies are completed and a proper area containing all amenities like parking facilities for customers, importers and others is provided.
He also thanked officials who tried to follow-up events that occurred on Tuesday morning.