Cooperatives: 'Back to School' Festivals Meet Students' Needs at Prices Under the Supervision of the Ministry of Commerce

The Director General of the Cooperative Societies Union, Maryam Al-Awad, affirmed the societies’ commitment to organizing “Back to School” festivals and providing students and families with school supplies at affordable prices, noting the competitive rush among the societies to host these events.

She added that the doors of the Cooperative Societies Union remain open to the societies, pointing out that she submitted a proposal about two months ago to hold monthly meetings with the legal representatives of the societies. This proposal will enter into force, ensuring that a monthly meeting is held at the Union’s headquarters to discuss topics and issues related to cooperative work.

Regarding libraries affiliated with cooperative societies, Al-Awad clarified that they constitute direct branches of the societies and are not offered for investment or managed by external companies; rather, they are directly managed by the societies, similar to central markets and several other direct branches.

She highlighted the existence of a central committee for monitoring prices, established by a ministerial decision from the Minister of Commerce and Industry, with the Union participating in its membership. She emphasized that the prices of goods displayed in the societies, whether food or consumer items, are subject to direct oversight.

Al-Awad stressed that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the competent authority for monitoring prices and setting prices for goods, while cooperative societies are committed to adhering to the regulations and decisions governing this matter.