Written by: Badr Ahmed

Djibouti’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, Orbis Elaf Orbis, held a consultative meeting with a number of economic actors, including bottled water producers and representatives of the butchery and bakery sectors, to discuss developments in the prices of a number of basic commodities and to discuss the conditions of related sectors, within the framework of the government’s efforts to maintain market stability and ensure the availability of basic products for citizens.

The Ministry of Trade and Tourism brings together economic stakeholders.

The Minister chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from various production and commercial sectors. The meeting reviewed developments in the prices of basic products, the challenges facing producers and distributors in light of regional and international economic changes, and discussed ways to maintain the regularity of supply chains and the stability of the national market.

During the meeting, the Minister of Trade and Tourism affirmed that the government is closely monitoring developments in the global economic situation and its impact on local markets, noting that international economic conditions pose challenges that require close cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to mitigate their effects on citizens.

The minister stressed that preserving the purchasing power of citizens is a priority for the government, in implementation of the directives of the President of the Republic, stressing that the authorities will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure the stability of basic commodity prices and prevent any practices that may negatively affect the balance of the market.

Orbis called on all economic actors to demonstrate responsibility, transparency, and solidarity, and to work together to maintain market stability and provide essential products at reasonable prices, in order to achieve the public interest and enhance consumer confidence.

He also affirmed that the Ministry of Trade and Tourism will continue its approach of ongoing dialogue with the private sector, as a key partner in supporting the national economy, explaining that continuous consultation with producers and traders contributes to addressing challenges proactively and enhances the market's ability to cope with economic fluctuations.

This meeting comes at a time when many global markets are facing pressure due to rising production and transportation costs, prompting several governments to intensify coordination with the private sector to ensure stable supplies and mitigate price volatility. The meeting reflects the government's commitment to strengthening cooperation with various economic stakeholders, thereby contributing to consumer protection, supporting the stability of the domestic market, and maintaining a balance between the interests of producers and the purchasing power of citizens.