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TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
AgriSA and community leaders warn of economic fallout from tobacco legislation
Thousands of rural households could lose their livelihoods if the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill is passed, AgriSA has warned. In its parliamentary submission, AgriSA said the bill, in its current form, neglects to consider the broader implications on agricultural livelihoods. It said tobacco farming remained a vital income source for thousands of rural households, especially in provinces where alternative crops were not economically viable. 'We feel that good legislation is necessary to avoid harmful consequences that might not be foreseen in terms of the present bill. Our emphasis is on fixing what is wrong before we progress to further statutory requirements, the consequences of which have not been fully explored. 'We don't have a vested interest in smoking. We have a vested interest in a constructively regulated, purposeful, evidence-based bill that doesn't create the unforeseen consequence whereby we're supporting illegality through regulation, which is not appropriate to achieve the objective we all want to see achieved,' said AgriSA's Janse Rabie. Rabie said tobacco production dropped by about 50% in five years. 'Why? Because illicit trade has eaten their market away. That's the bottom line and farmers ask the honest question to government: why has government allowed our market to be eaten away by illicit trade? 'If you want to really address the harm, you need to properly legislate the ability to enforce. We absolutely need to make sure that what is in place is properly enforced and that we don't carry on a system that is not working and is allowing for additional illegality to take place.' Nedlac Community Trust CEO Nhlanhla Ndlovu said the issue of the Tobacco Bill was 'misguided from the point of view of not quantifying the impact to producers like farmers, with potential significant implications for the farmers, workers and communities they support'. 'It looks like there's an economic impact that will result in an inability, among affected farmers and communities, to make an income, but there's no viable replacement programme. You are taking away livelihoods in a context where crime stats are showing an increase across the board.' ActionSA MP and harm reduction advocate Dr Kgosi Letlape added his voice, saying the bill seemed to condemn adult smokers to death while 'concentrating solely on issues of youth uptake, which are important, but the deaths don't come from the youth'. He was also concerned about the impact on agriculture in SA. 'Should our agricultural sector be looking beyond our borders to progressive markets where their products could be used for less harmful sources of nicotine? 'My fear is not that the industry will die, it'll just be driven into the wrong hands.'
See - Sada Elbalad
25-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Red Sea Situation Suitable for Gradual Return of Ships to Suez Canal, Says SCA Chairman
Taarek Refaat Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, participated on Saturday in a major symposium organized by the Egyptian Maritime Association under the title: "Challenges Facing the Suez Canal in Light of Regional and International Changes." In his opening remarks, Rabie noted that the escalating security tensions in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait have significantly impacted shipping traffic through the Suez Canal, forcing many shipping lines to change their routes and resort to the Cape of Good Hope route. This has led to increased travel times and higher operating costs, which has negatively impacted global inflation rates. The chairman of the authority explained that the Suez Canal has adopted a flexible approach to dealing with the repercussions of the crisis, through direct communication with international shipping companies to study the possibility of modifying their sailing schedules and coordinating the gradual return to transiting the Canal. He noted that the security situation has improved, allowing for the gradual resumption of shipping traffic through the Canal. He also added that the Authority has responded to requests from some shipping lines by offering incentives and discounts of up to 15% for vessels with a capacity exceeding 130,000 tons, for a period of three months. This step aims to ease their financial burdens and encourage them to re-include the Suez Canal in their shipping routes. He concluded by emphasizing that the current crisis has proven the importance of the Suez Canal as an indispensable shipping route, given the time and cost savings it provides, as well as the comprehensive maritime and logistical services it provides—advantages that the alternative route via the Cape of Good Hope lacks. In his speech, Major General Samir Farag emphasized that the Egyptian state's neutral stance regarding the situation in the Red Sea has strengthened confidence in the Suez Canal as a safe and neutral international passageway, contributing to the stability of global supply chains and trade. He emphasized that the Canal will remain the most efficient and feasible shipping route despite attempts to develop alternative routes. On his part, Khaled Abu Bakr, Advisor to the Chairman of the Authority for Legal and International Affairs emphasized that the Suez Canal is subject to international agreements that render it neutral regarding political disputes and conflicts, which strengthens its position as an international shipping lane that enjoys the trust of customers and international partners. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Egypt Today
25-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Suez Canal Chief: Red Sea Security Now Conducive to Gradual Resumption of Ship Transits
Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), participated on Saturday in the main symposium organized by the Egyptian Maritime Association CAIRO – 25 May 2025: Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), participated on Saturday in the main symposium organized by the Egyptian Maritime Association under the title "Challenges Facing the Suez Canal in Light of Regional and Global Changes." The symposium was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, President of Alexandria University; Major General Samir Farag, military strategic expert; Rear Admiral Essam Badawi, Chairman of the Egyptian Maritime Association; and international lawyer Khaled Abu Bakr, Advisor to the SCA Chairman for Legal Affairs and International Relations. Numerous consuls from Arab and foreign nations, along with representatives of maritime transport bodies and companies, were also present. In his address, Admiral Rabie underscored the impact of unprecedented security tensions in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which have significantly disrupted navigation through the Suez Canal. He noted that many shipping lines have been forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adversely affecting the global maritime industry with increased sailing times, elevated operational costs, and inflationary pressure on end consumers. Admiral Rabie highlighted the Authority's adaptive response to the crisis, including direct and ongoing communication with shipping lines to evaluate their schedules and encourage the gradual resumption of transits through the Canal. He stated that the security situation has become increasingly conducive to the return of vessel traffic through the Suez Canal. In response to industry needs, the SCA has introduced a package of incentives, including a 15% discount for container ships exceeding 130,000 tons in capacity, valid for a period of three months. These measures aim to alleviate operational burdens and support the reintegration of the Suez Canal into global shipping routes. Rabie emphasized that the ongoing crisis has reaffirmed the irreplaceable role of the Suez Canal, which offers significant savings in time, cost, and access to critical maritime and logistical services—advantages not provided by the Cape of Good Hope route. He also outlined the Authority's commitment to enhancing the Canal's capacity and safety. The completion of both phases of the southern sector development project has significantly improved navigational safety, mitigated the effects of water currents on vessels, and increased capacity by an average of 6 to 8 ships per day. Concurrently, the SCA continues to enhance its navigational and maritime services and is advancing its ambitious strategy to modernize its fleet with the addition of new, advanced units across all sectors. In efforts to diversify revenue streams, Rabie detailed the Authority's expansion into new navigational and logistical services, such as maritime rescue, ambulance services, pollution control, vessel maintenance and repair, fueling, and crew replacement. The SCA has also launched a specialized service for collecting and removing solid waste from transiting vessels using advanced marine equipment. Furthermore, Rabie stressed the Authority's ongoing efforts to localize maritime industries, both to meet domestic needs and to explore export opportunities. This is being pursued through initiatives like the Egyptian Locomotive Factory, a joint venture with the South Red Sea Arsenal Company. Strategic expert Major General Samir Farag commended Egypt's decision to remain neutral amid regional security tensions, a stance that has reinforced global confidence in the Suez Canal as a secure and impartial international waterway. He emphasized the Canal's vital role in stabilizing global supply chains and maintaining the affordability of goods worldwide, as well as its status as a key source of foreign currency for Egypt. Farag further noted that despite attempts by some nations to develop alternative trade routes, the Suez Canal remains the most strategic and efficient maritime passage for international trade, offering unmatched operational cost savings, speed, and safety. International lawyer Khaled Abu Bakr highlighted that the Suez Canal operates under international agreements that guarantee its neutrality amid political conflicts and disputes. This legal framework, he noted, enhances the Canal's global standing and the trust it enjoys among international partners. He added that the SCA's effective crisis management—particularly during the refloating of the Ever Given —has proven the efficiency and expertise of its personnel. That historic operation, he stated, sent a clear message to the world: there is no viable alternative to the Suez Canal.
Biz Bahrain
25-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
GCC retail sector enters bold new era, surging toward $390bln by 2028
The retail industry in the GCC is undergoing a sweeping transformation. Once dominated by traditional models, the sector has now emerged as a key enabler of economic diversification, technological innovation, and consumer-centric growth. A new report by LOGIC Consulting, titled 'Revolutionizing Retail: Unveiling GCC's Five-Year Transformation', highlights how the sector is expanding rapidly, projected to reach over $390 billion by 2028, driven by digital innovation, changing shopper behavior, and strategic government initiatives. Retail is no longer just a transactional space in the region, it is becoming a cornerstone of national development agendas, fostering private investment and energizing adjacent sectors such as logistics, real estate, and tourism. From Convenience to Customization: A New Consumer Reality The report highlights the evolution of consumer expectations across the GCC. Shoppers are now more digitally fluent, time-sensitive, and experience-driven. With 87% of consumers in the region using both online and offline channels to make purchases, the retail experience is no longer linear – it is 'phygital.' Two Segments, One Direction: Food and Non-Food Retail on the Rise The GCC's retail ecosystem is broadly split into two pillars: food and non-food, each showing robust but distinct growth paths. Food retail is expected to grow from $127.2 billion in 2023 to $162 billion by 2028, supported by rising urbanization and shifting dietary preferences. At the same time, non-food retail – including luxury, electronics, and fashion – is surging faster, with a CAGR of 6.2%, expected to hit $243.6 billion within the same period. Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to lead the region, representing over 75% of all retail sales today – a share set to grow further. Digital Retail Takes Center Stage From AI-enabled platforms to hyper-personalized e-commerce journeys, retailers are reinventing themselves at breakneck speed. The emergence of 'quick commerce'; ultra-fast delivery in under 30 minutes, is reshaping how consumers access everyday essentials. Digital-first players like Noon and are competing head-to-head with legacy giants such as Carrefour and Lulu, who are now embedding AI, live inventory, and omnichannel logistics into their operating models. Retail Reinvented: From Malls to Micro Fulfillment The report outlines how organized retail is expanding, with nearly 4 million square meters of new retail space expected by 2028. Yet the future lies beyond square footage, experiential shopping, augmented reality, and predictive personalization are becoming the norm. 'Retailers in the GCC are no longer just selling products, they are curating journeys and building ecosystems,' added Rabie. 'Success hinges on who can best merge the physical with the digital.' The Rise of Value and Purpose While luxury retail continues to thrive, a powerful countertrend is emerging: value-driven retail. Private labels, cooperative societies, and budget-friendly chains are resonating with a growing middle class and price-sensitive consumers. Simultaneously, ethical and sustainable retail is gaining momentum, with over half of GCC consumers now prioritizing environmentally responsible brands. Strategic Imperatives: What Retailers Must Do Next The report concludes with five strategic calls to action for retailers aiming to thrive in the region's evolving landscape: Define a compelling USP in a saturated, digitally competitive market. Embrace operational transformation through lean processes, data intelligence, and agile supply chains. Navigate market fragmentation with readiness for consolidation and joint ventures. Build strategic partnerships and ecosystems that drive innovation and speed to market. Adapt deeply to local market dynamics, tailoring everything from inventory to customer service. A Sector on the Edge of Global Influence
See - Sada Elbalad
14-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Suez Canal Authority Denies Special Transit Privileges for Any Country
Israa Farhan The Suez Canal Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to fair and equal treatment for all vessels passing through the vital maritime route, stating that no country, including the United States, receives special privileges or exemptions. Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, clarified that all ships, regardless of nationality, are subject to the same tolls and procedures. He emphasised that any transit discounts are commercial incentives designed to boost traffic and are applied uniformly across all nations. Rabie confirmed that the passage of American ships continues as normal and without any exclusive exemptions. He stressed that the canal operates under international agreements and regulations that guarantee fairness and equality for all maritime traffic. Addressing ongoing improvements, Rabie stated that the Suez Canal is undergoing continuous and comprehensive development. The Authority is leveraging its assets and partnerships both domestically and internationally to enhance the canal's capacity and efficiency. He also noted that no vessel, including Egyptian-flagged ships, is permitted to transit the canal free of charge. All ships are required to pay the appropriate tolls in accordance with the canal's regulations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
