Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly held a high-level meeting on Thursday to review joint efforts between the finance and supply ministries aimed at securing essential commodities and supporting the ongoing domestic wheat procurement season, the Cabinet said in a statement. The meeting, attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk and Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk, focused on ensuring the continued availability of subsidised goods, reinforcing strategic stockpiles, and expediting payments to wheat suppliers. Minister Farouk confirmed that all essential food commodities are available in safe quantities across distribution outlets nationwide, with daily supply flows managed by the Holding Company for Food Industries to maintain market stability. He added that Egypt's strategic reserves of basic commodities currently exceed the safe threshold, ensuring sustained availability under various economic conditions, in line with directives from the country's political leadership. The supply minister also said that wheat procurement from local farmers has begun for the current season, with prices set to ensure fair returns. Payments are being made within 48 hours of delivery to encourage farmer participation. "Supply is running at a faster pace than last year," Minister Farouk noted, with volumes expected to ramp up further from April 25. To enhance coordination on citizen-focused priorities, the Cabinet announced the formation of a permanent working group of officials from both ministries to streamline joint efforts and accelerate decision-making. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
