The Ministry of Trade’s action to classify and rate hotels and furnished flats is welcomed by all. But the ministry’s insistence on restricting the hotels and apartments from giving its customers discounts — sometimes even 30% — is not acceptable. The ministry’s action will encourage customers and owners to seek other ways to do business, instead of the direct one. Business deals that take place behind the scenes could involve bribery, forgery and all kind of corruption. The ministry’s move, clearly, contradicts the free economy policy which we adopt .. a policy that allows prices to react to the dictates of the demand and supply of the market.
In another case of overlooking the obvious, municipalities dedicate significant time and effort to price a cup of tea at coffee shops, for sewing a thobe, for a haircut .. etc.
In fact, more efforts are needed elsewhere. There’s a need to exercise strict controls over fraud, counterfeit trade marks, fake products and consumer goods that invade the country through customs but many of which are not in conformity with the standards set forth.
Citizens, in the past, enjoyed subsidies in food stuffs and purchased these items at prices less than the stipulated government price.
Free market, however, provides the opportunity to the customer to make a choice. For he can buy whatever is needed in terms of commodity or service at competitive prices.
Free market, as a rule, will not prevail unless it is left alone to flourish by various departments, which have to exercise keen judgment and moderation in their task of supervision and monitoring while treating every case on its merits.