In Gabon, national conferences to fight the high cost of living

A market in Libreville. Getty Images

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1 min

It was the Prime Minister, Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, who opened the proceedings in the presence of economic operators, consumer associations and importers' unions. The purpose of the meeting is to find solutions to lower the cost of the basket of the housewife.

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With our correspondent in Libreville, Yves-Laurent Goma

Food, transportation, accommodation... Everything is expensive in Gabon, the Prime Minister acknowledged in his opening speech. "Don't do theory, be practical," recommended Alain Claude Bilie By Nze addressing the participants.

The equation seems difficult since 90% of the products consumed in Gabon are imported.

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Merchants sell expensive because they buy expensive, it's as simple as that. If they buy cheaper, they will sell cheaper. It is the law of the market," Djibril Maganga Nziengui, president of the national traders' union.

At the beginning of January, René Ndemezo'o Obiang was appointed Minister of the Fight against the High Cost of Living. Today, he expressed his optimism.

« Whatever the international context, it is up to each country to show ingenuity to best solve the problems facing its own people. There is a whole set of problems that need to be addressed so that life is better, life is less difficult and Gabon is always moving forward. » 

Prior to the Libreville meeting, the people of the hinterland were also consulted at the provincial conference. Their recommendations will be included in the final document of the national meeting.

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