Prices for socially important products were discussed by Arman Shakkaliev with the owners of the capital's markets

On Saturday, First Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev held a visiting meeting at the Sharyn, Astanalyk and Sauran markets in the capital, during which the reasons for the increase in food prices, issues of maintaining stable prices for essential products were discussed. Also, the draft Rules for organizing the activities of trade markets, requirements for the maintenance of their territory, equipment and equipment were presented to the attention of the business.

 

In his speech, Arman Shakkaliyev said that the project was prepared in order to implement the instructions of the Head of State and is aimed at streamlining the activities of trade markets, including strengthening the responsibility of market owners.    

"There are clear requirements for the content and procedure for approving the regulations of the trading market and a list of additional services. These measures will ensure transparency in the pricing of rental costs and services provided by the market administration," the First Vice Minister said.                                                    

During the meeting, employees of the Sharyn wholesale market voiced problematic issues related to taxation, phytosanitary and veterinary control, logistics of perishable products.

The bulk of our products are perishable," said Sharyn, an employee of the wholesale market. – And our task is to organize fast delivery and ensure the quality of the goods for customers. If you ask, why are the prices so high? These are our toll roads, expensive winter fuels and lubricants, which also give a certain influence on pricing. In the city, the prices for fuel are the same, outside the city they are completely different," the wholesaler added.

Another wholesale representative of the market suggested considering, if possible, the maximum size of the tax base, to give the opportunity to work under a simplified scheme.

Then the delegation arrived at the Astanalyk market, where they met with the administration of the shopping facility. The head of the capital's market, Baudi Abuev, expressed support for the state's policy regarding the streamlining of the activities of retail facilities and the introduction of information technologies in the field of trade. The information system is one of the innovations that will ensure non-discriminatory access to retail space and will contribute to fair pricing of rental costs.

The final point of the trip was the shopping center of the new format "Sauran", where the participants summed up the results of the detour.

Vice-President of the Association for Trade Promotion Nurlan Nurmagambetov proposed to reduce electricity tariffs for producers of NWPT.

"In 2022, electricity tariffs for legal entities increased compared to 2015. The cost of utilities increases every year, but the profit of entrepreneurs does not change, and a significant part has to be paid for services. Electricity costs are borne by the end user and affect the price increase," Nurmagambetov said.

After listening to the comments and suggestions, Arman Shakkaliyev stressed the importance of such meetings for the prompt resolution of emerging issues. "Today we have gone from opto, that is, sales from trucks, to the format of civilized markets. At the same time, the most pressing issues remain, first of all, price stabilization and what we should do to ensure that prices are stable and there is no excessive demand. The participants of the meeting made many proposals on taxation that would stimulate both wholesale sellers and retailers to come out of the shadows. It is very important to increase the tax base by increasing the coverage of trade entities. Problematic issues of the phytosanitary and veterinary block were also touched upon, many constructive proposals were made. All participants were interested in a new turnaround scheme, in which we finance manufacturers directly, they then go directly to wholesalers without intermediaries and resellers, and those, in turn, sell goods without excessive margins at retail. It is gratifying to hear that business supports us in this direction. All the proposals made have been taken under control and will be worked out," the First Vice Minister assured the participants.