Abdullah bin Touq confirms the abundance and diversity of goods in the country’s markets

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Abu Dhabi, March 18 / WAM / His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, confirmed that all sales outlets in the UAE markets are witnessing an abundance of goods and products of various types, in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of consumers.

During a tour of the Carrefour distribution center, His Excellency explained that the country’s markets are characterized by the availability of diverse alternatives for goods and services, supported by the stability of supply chains, which contributes to the diversity of price options for consumers and enhances the levels of strategic stock of various commodities, especially food and pharmaceuticals.

The tour aims to ensure the availability of food goods and products to consumers in abundant quantities, in addition to strengthening market control and continuously following up on strategic stock levels in the country. During the tour, His Excellency met with Ahmed Jalal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, and a number of the company’s leaders, where he inspected the supply and supply operations for food commodities at the centre, and was briefed on a number of main departments, including the processes of receiving shipments and quality inspection, the procedures adopted to ensure food safety, and the mechanisms for dealing with fresh and basic goods. Inventory and storage management systems, ensuring continuous availability of products with high efficiency.

His Excellency held a meeting with the company’s leadership, during which supply and distribution plans were reviewed, especially in light of the current crisis, in addition to the role of local partnerships in enhancing the efficiency of supply chains, mechanisms for executing orders electronically and delivery services, ensuring that products reach consumers in a timely manner and with high efficiency.

His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq said that the major distribution centers in the country play an important role in supporting the national food security system, ensuring the stability of the prices of goods and products, and their smooth flow to the markets, thus enhancing the UAE’s position as a leading regional center for food industries and advanced logistics services.

His Excellency indicated that the center’s supply and logistics operations are proceeding normally according to the strategic plans, which reflects the high readiness of the country’s strategic stock, and ensures the continued availability of basic goods in various sales outlets without any shortage or impact on prices.

His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq pointed out that the Ministry, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, monitors daily inventory levels at suppliers and distribution centers, and conducts accurate analyzes to ensure the adequacy of the supply of each basic commodity, which supports taking proactive decisions to maintain the stability of markets and prices, and enhances the sustainability of the food security system in the country.

His Excellency said in statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, during the tour that field indicators reflect high efficiency in the supply and distribution system within the country.

He stressed that the UAE has an integrated system supported by proactive plans and advanced infrastructure, which ensures the continuous and smooth provision of goods at appropriate prices. At the same time, he called for rationalization of consumption, while emphasizing that all products are available in sufficient quantities in the markets.

For his part, Ahmed Jalal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: “Our teams continue to work around the clock to ensure the availability of basic products in sufficient quantities in all Carrefour stores nationwide, and to meet the needs of our customers at stable and affordable prices.”

He explained that this visit confirms the importance of the close partnership between the public and private sectors in supporting market stability and strengthening the national food security system, stressing that this constitutes a commitment that they continue to consolidate by enhancing the efficiency of supply chains and developing their operational capabilities to serve the communities in which they work.

In his statements to WAM, Ismail confirmed that the stock is sufficient and that supply chains are operating normally despite the current regional challenges.

He explained that the company has succeeded over the past years in building strong capabilities to ensure the continuity of providing products, not only basic goods, but also various products that meet the needs of the great diversity of nationalities residing in the UAE.

He pointed out that Majid Al Futtaim has worked extensively to localize supply chains over the past years, whether at the level of the UAE or the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, pointing out that about 50% of fruits and vegetables are supplied from within the country or from Gulf countries, while 100% of live poultry products are secured from local or regional sources, which enhances the flexibility and sustainability of supplies.

Regarding the current challenges, he stressed that the priority remains the safety of everyone, praising the measures provided by the state to ensure security and stability, and stressing that there is no need to worry, in light of the stability of the situation and the availability of goods.

He added that the company continues to work to diversify import sources and enhance cooperation with partners and government agencies at the federal and local levels, ensuring rapid response to any developments and maintaining the flow of supplies.

During the tour, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq met with the work teams at the centre, stressing the vital role that these teams play in the smooth flow of supply operations and ensuring the availability of basic goods to customers daily in various parts of the UAE, pointing out that their continued commitment and distinguished efforts represent a pivotal element in stabilizing supplies and meeting consumer needs.