Jordan: Gov't to ensure affordable food during Ramadan
Posted by Zawya
Jordan Times
03 August 2010


AMMAN -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Rajai Muasher on Monday stressed that the government has taken several procedures to address any imbalances that may occur in the local market during Ramadan.

Heading a meeting of the higher committee for prices at the Ministry of Industry and Trade yesterday, Muasher said the government is working to protect the middle class to ensure the availability of food items at affordable prices, calling on traders to maintain good relations with consumers, a ministry statement said.

He urged the committee to hold year-round meetings, highlighting its responsibility to assist the Consumer Protection Society (CPS) in raising consumer awareness.

Pointing to major decisions taken by the committee, Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi said the committee has established an early warning system to predict future imbalances in the local food market, adding that government-run consumer corporations will sell fruits and vegetables in their branches across the Kingdom this Ramadan.

He noted that a media campaign will be conducted by the CPS and the chambers of commerce and industry to raise consumer awareness on appropriate market prices. Hadidi indicated that technical committees were also formed to study market demand for various goods and determine their prices, according to the statement.

Hadidi said the committee has also opened 30 parallel markets across the country and is continuously briefing food traders and importers on local supply and prices of foodstuffs.

The committee meeting was attended by several officials and representatives from the commercial sector in addition to consumer advocates, the statement added.

© Jordan Times 2010

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