More cooperative societies are needed to help poor people in this country, economists said here recently.

The state and businesspeople should help fund these societies to assist needy families buy food and other necessities, which is the case in some Gulf countries, they said.

Economist Abdulwahab Abu Dahesh said cooperatives that sell consumer products proved successful in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s.

Abu Dahesh said it was time to reintroduce these bodies to help the poor and those people who earn low wages. This should take place with the Ministry of Social Affairs, businesspeople, importers and charities, “to provide consumers with suitable products.”

These societies would help merchants make money, and issue coupons for people to pay their electricity bills. He said the assistance may not cover all the expenses of a poor family, but could help ease their financial burden.

Abu Dahesh said poor people need these societies because of the rising prices for necessities. Charities would also play an important role in these projects, he said.

Abdulmunim Al-Addas, director of funding and advisory services at the Islamic Development Bank, said cooperative societies could play a positive role in fighting poverty and helping poor people face rising prices.

“These projects support poor families which is a religious and moral duty. These societies will meet the basic demands of poor areas and support poor Saudis.” He called on the Council of Ministers to support this cause.

Asaad Jawhar, professor of economics at King Abdulaziz University, said it is the responsibility of civil society, businesspeople and charities to establish these cooperative societies to help the needy.