Daily 25,000 tonnes fruits, veggies to Abu Dhabi, Dubai markets

The consumer protection department of the Ministry of Economy announced that the daily imports of vegetables and fruits in Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets will reach about 25,000 tonnes.
Dr Hashim Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Department told Khaleej Times that 21,000 tonnes of these will be supplied to the Dubai markets.
"These are in comparison to over 4,000 tonnes to be supplied to the Abu Dhabi markets." He added that the current stock of vegetables and fruits has increased to about 125,000 tonnes.
"These are partially attributed to improved refrigeration capabilities in the port markets of Abu Dhabi and Al Aweer in Dubai."
Dr Nuaimi said that prices of a big number of commodities, mainly related to Ramadan, have been locked. "These hit 4,500 goods, representing a 15 per cent rise as compared to last year's."
He said the department keeps an eye on all markets of the country. "We have also held 40 meetings this year so far with all
suppliers and traders of essential commodities to ensure not only their availability, but also their affordability during Ramadan."
Al Nuaimi further said that customers will benefit from huge discounts on thousands of goods during Ramadan. "The department, in collaboration with strategic partners, has specified Dh300 million - Dh50 million more than last year, for subsidising 10,000 commodities available at 600 societies and outlets across the country."
The 50 to 70 per cent discounts available are meant to boost customers' satisfaction during the season, he underlined. "Some goods are even offered for sale against their manufacturing price with no profits at all."
He also said that staff inspectors with consumer protection department are geared up to launch 450 inspections campaigns at the markets of the country during Ramadan.
"These are meant to keep an eye on prices, and prevent any exploitation or increase in prices during the holy month, particularly as all good and commodities are available in the markets long ago and against affordable prices."
Records show that the department launched 14,468 inspection campaigns last year, including 11,605 for protecting consumers' rights. "The department launched 1,537 inspections, including 1,165 for protecting consumers' rights, in the first quarter of the year."
He said that most of the locked-price goods are strategic commodities that are consumed on a daily basis. 'We have agreed with all societies and outlets to put posters that display all the set goods and their locked prices, and show the same also on screens that can be easily noticed by the consumers."
Dr Nuaimi said that they have launched several initiatives to develop customers' awareness. "Valuable information on customers rights are now displayed on 4,000 screens."
The department welcomes communication with the public, he said. "The department call centre is reachable at hotline no (600522225) from 8am to midnight during Ramadan to attend to all customers' queries and complaints."
The department has processed 10,283 complaints in the first three months of this year. "These covered nine broad categories, spanning price hikes, vehicles, electronics, phones, furniture, auto spare parts and tyres, properties, credit cards, and other complaints."
Dr Nuaimi also said that the ministry is developing a new system to control and monitor goods and commodities electronically. "The new system will help receive and follow-up consumers' complaints and feedbacks."
The system is to include an observer of world prices, creating mail lists to send awareness fliers to the consumers on their smart phones and devices, he added.
"The programme will also connect the ministry with the federal customs authority with the UN FAO and any local or international entity related with price movement and trends."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com