Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – Over the past few years, government officials have conducted studies on consumer cooperative societies in some Arab countries. The studies indicated that these societies have succeeded in reducing high prices and the exploitation of consumers, especially at a time when most Arab countries are suffering from exorbitant living expenses. The studies conclude that the government should support such societies and pass laws to help get them under way. They should also be supported financially. The Kingdom could benefit from the experiences of Gulf countries in this field. These societies succeeded in providing citizens with basic products for reasonable prices and overcame the greed of merchants who imposed high prices on their products. Last week, the Council of Cooperative Societies decided to send a delegation to visit Dubai to benefit from the experience of such societies there and the results they have achieved. After the visit, a detailed report explaining the UAE experience will be sent to the council. The council seeks to establish similar societies with branches scattered across the Kingdom's districts and villages. The council also wants to put an end to the skyrocketing prices of products with societies allowed to import products directly. The government is planning to amend the laws of these societies with a view to providing consumers especially those on low-income with affordable prices for basic consumer goods. A consumer cooperative society is established by individuals who have the same economic and social interests and seek to achieve the same economic goals. Individuals cooperate together, raise money and start their own project.
