Cairo Governorate Electronic Portal

News has circulated on some websites and social media platforms claiming that the Ministry of Supply intends to privatize consumer complexes by offering their management to the private sector. The Media Center of the Cabinet contacted the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, which categorically denied these claims, confirming that these complexes will remain state-owned.

The ministry clarified that the aim of offering the management of some consumer complex outlets to the private sector is part of the state’s efforts to improve efficiency and develop its retail outlets, while benefiting from the private sector’s expertise in displaying and supplying goods appropriately and at reduced prices. It stressed that all such rumors are baseless and are intended to create confusion and provoke public discontent.

The ministry further stated that it has announced the offering of 7 consumer complex outlets for private sector management across 4 governorates (Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, and Qena). It added that a set of partnership models and frameworks with the private sector is currently being prepared to develop and manage the ministry’s retail outlets, along with establishing the necessary legal framework to regulate the relationship between both parties. This will ensure the protection of state assets and their optimal utilization.

Finally, the ministry urged citizens to report any complaints related to subsidized goods in the governorates through the Government Complaints Portal hotline (16528).

Source: Al-Ahram Portal