Doha, February 22 (QNA) - The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) signed a contract on Sunday with Hassad Food for the management, operation and provision of services in central markets.

This step aims to continue cooperation with the company in organizing central markets and raising the efficiency of services provided in them, which contributes to improving the work environment within the markets, enhancing the quality of services provided to traders and consumers, and supporting the food security system in the country.

HE Undersecretary of the MOCI Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki and CEO of Hassad Food Ali Hilal Al Kuwari signed the contract.

The signing of this contract comes within the framework of the MOCI's efforts to develop the management and operation of its facilities in accordance with best practices, and to enhance partnership with the private sector to achieve optimal use of public assets, raise the efficiency of operational performance, and contribute to the sustainability of central markets.

The contract also aims to regulate the mechanisms of work within the markets, improve the level of operation and maintenance, raise the quality of services provided, and ensure compliance with health and technical requirements to achieve smooth commercial movement, maintain the safety of customers, and enhance market stability and the diversity of products offered.

The contract stipulates that Hassad Food will undertake the tasks of organizing the markets, including managing, operating, and providing services in the central markets.

In press statements on the sidelines of the signing of the agreement, Director of Quality License and Market Control Department at the MOCI Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Al Ameri said that this joint step between the MOCI and Hassad Food for the management of central markets falls within the framework of the dual cooperation process that was launched about six years ago, with the aim of developing central markets and improving public facilities, in addition to increasing services for consumers and investors.

He pointed to the significant role this bilateral partnership plays in raising the level of shopping in the country, through the development of central markets, and their construction in new buildings that are fully covered and equipped with the most important requirements of the current era, including air conditioning, in addition to providing them with a range of services that are expected to reflect positively on the relationship between the consumer and the merchant in our central markets.

In turn, General Manager of Aswaq for Food Facilities Management Company Mohammed Ghanim Al Kubaisi emphasized that the current phase is witnessing a great focus on developing and managing markets mainly, as the first phase was completed in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipality in 2020, while work is underway to complete the second part of the development project during the next phase.

He indicated the importance of the development operations for central markets in improving the shopping environment in the country, by covering them completely, establishing them on spaces and providing them with the necessary services that would improve the consumer experience, and put them in the most comfortable conditions possible, just like the merchants who can now store goods according to much better data than the situation was in the past.

The three central markets are integrated marketing platforms that were created to support the needs of traders and consumers, contributing to enhancing the stability of the local market. These markets include Al Sailiya Central Market, Al Wakrah Central Market, and Umm Salal Central Market.

This agreement confirms MOCI's approach in adopting modern administrative solutions that enhance performance efficiency and keep pace with economic changes to contribute to establishing a competitive and sustainable business environment that supports the national development process. (QNA)