Jeddah, July 04, 2022, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs has chaired the Council's meeting held at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. During the meeting, the council reviewed a number of economic and development issues, including the presentation submitted by the Ministry of Commerce with participation of Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Economy and Planning regarding monitoring price levels of a number of products in the Kingdom's markets. HRH Crown Prince stressed the need to take into account the neediest citizens in the face of international developments that resulted in rising costs of some basic needs, affirming the important roles of ministries and government agencies concerning with monitoring international developments related to chains supplying, monitoring markets, product availability, price levels, protecting and encouraging fair competition, and combating and preventing monopolistic practices that affect legitimate competition or the interest of the consumer. The Council was also briefed on the presentation submitted by the Ministry of Health regarding the health developments related to the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid 19), including an update on the epidemiological situation following the decision to lift the precautionary and preventive measures related to the Coronavirus pandemic, in addition to updates on administering vaccines, the most prominent preparations for this year’s Hajj season ( 1443 AH), and the state of the epidemiological situation internationally. The Council followed up on the periodic presentation submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning regarding the analysis of opening economic activities and the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic. The Council has taken the necessary recommendations on these issues. --SPA 15:33 LOCAL TIME 12:33 GMT 0011 www.spa.gov.sa/w1756328