Temp markets set up for Ramadan

The Ministry of Economic Development have begun discussions on setting up temporary markets for this year's Ramadan.

The aim for these markets is easy access to fresh produce for consumers.

At a press conference the ministry held on Tuesday, the Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed said, local vendors will receive exclusive opportunity to set up stalls in these markets.

The markets will be established in Male' City and Phases 1 and 2 of Hulhumale'.

While necessary preparations are underway for these markets, Saeed confirmed relevant authorities will provide more details in the coming days.

He further said the ministry is working with State Trading Organization (STO) to regulate and maintain prices of fast moving commodities and other general items during Ramadan.

Instead of restraining price inflations, priority will be focused on maintaining affordable price ranges for the most in-demand items, Saeed added.

The minister further said the government, with STO's collaboration, will ensure availability of necessary food items by importing them from multiple destinations if a single country for imports does not suffice.

In the event price on any item spikes, STO will introduce said item to the market to avoid price fluctuations.

Recently, STO had imported coconuts after its prices began surging in local market. The company is already geared up to import food items under four major categories, which include basic food items, fresh produce, processed food and condiments.