Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, has chaired the Council's meeting held at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. During the meeting, the council reviewed a number of economic and development issues, including the presentation submitted by the Ministry of Commerce with the participation of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Economy and Planning regarding monitoring price levels of a number of products in the Kingdom's markets. The Crown Prince stressed the need to take into account the neediest citizens in the face of international developments that resulted in rising costs of some basic needs. He affirmed the important roles of ministries and government agencies concerning with monitoring international developments related to supply chains, monitoring markets, product availability, price levels, protecting and encouraging fair competition, and combating and preventing monopolistic practices that affect legitimate competition and the interests of the consumer. The Council was also briefed on the presentation submitted by the Ministry of Health regarding the health developments related to the Covid 19 pandemic, including an update on the epidemiological situation following the decision to lift the precautionary and preventive measures, in addition to updates on administering vaccines, the most prominent preparations for this year's Hajj season, and the state of the epidemiological situation internationally. The Council followed up on the periodic presentation submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning regarding the analysis of opening economic activities and the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic. The Council has taken the necessary recommendations on these issues. — SPA
