Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated the main "Welcome Schools 2023" exhibition at the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development Agency hall in the Cairo International Fairground. This event coincided with the launch of "Welcome Schools 2023" exhibitions in all provinces, in line with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to ensure the availability of essential goods at reasonable prices across the country to combat rising inflation rates.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Ali El-Meselhi, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Dr. Reda Hegazy, Minister of Education and Technical Education, Engineer Ahmed Samir, Minister of Trade and Industry, General Khaled Abdel Aal, Governor of Cairo, Engineer Ayman Hossam El-Din, President of the Consumer Protection Agency, Mr. Ahmed El-Wakil, President of the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce, and Mr. Ayman Al-Ashry, Chairman of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, along with several members of the Chamber's board.
Following the opening, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly launched 84 vehicles that will serve as mobile exhibitions. He toured the exhibition and visited various product displays, engaging in conversations with exhibitors about product quality, pricing, and the percentage of local components in these products. He emphasized the importance of aligning with government policies regarding the enhancement of local manufacturing, stating, "We are capable of this." He pointed out that most of the leather products on display are 100% Egyptian-made.
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly also inspected the exhibits of strategic products offered at reduced prices, such as sugar, rice, oil, as well as fabrics and school uniforms.
The Prime Minister highlighted that these exhibitions represent a genuine partnership between the government and the private sector for the benefit of citizens. The state is keen on providing various forms of possible support to contribute to easing the burden on Egyptian families due to the negative effects of successive global crises.
Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali El-Meselhi mentioned that the "Welcome Schools 2023" exhibitions would start with the main exhibition, covering an area of 6,000 square meters with 178 pavilions, coinciding with similar exhibitions in provincial capitals and major cities. These exhibitions are organized by the Chambers of Commerce in each province, in coordination with the governors who have allocated special locations for this purpose. The chambers establish and manage the outlets, coordinate with suppliers to ensure the availability of discounted goods throughout the exhibition period, which will last for two weeks, in conjunction with the extended summer promotion that continues until the end of September.
Minister El-Meselhi also emphasized that the "Welcom Schools" initiative offers discounts of up to 50% on some items, with a main exhibition in each provincial capital, 108 subsidiary exhibitions in major cities, 32 tents in districts, 84 mobile caravans, 427 library chains, and more than 2,500 participating stores in the promotion. It includes school supplies, bags, shoes, clothing, and computers, along with banking branches for installment plans. Additionally, school food items, juices, external books, and prescription glasses are available, with mobile eye clinics for students.
At the same time, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly assured that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi consistently directs the continuation of such exhibitions, which offer a wide range of high-quality products and goods at discounted prices nationwide.
Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali El-Meselhi mentioned that essential goods like sugar, rice, oil, and pasta, in addition to products from the Ministry of Supply's affiliated companies, would be offered at reduced prices at major exhibitions, particularly in the main exhibition's large pavilion, for the convenience of citizens.
Chairman of the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce Ahmed El-Wakil stated that some chambers of commerce, based on their financial capabilities and with the approval of the Minister of Trade and Industry, will allocate funds to pay school fees for first-grade students or distribute school bags containing essential school supplies such as pens and notebooks. This will be done in coordination with the Directorates of Solidarity and Education in the governorates.
Engineer Ayman Hossam El-Din, President of the Consumer Protection Agency, stated that the main exhibition in Cairo includes 178 pavilions: 70 for office supplies, 20 for food products, 20 for shoes, 30 for clothing, and 38 others. He noted that a total of 58 exhibitions will be held in the provinces, along with 108 subsidiary exhibitions and 64 caravans in various governorates.
