Kazi Najib Ashraf: hello from DAFZA

Let’s start with the VAT refunds that have become a pain in the rear side of the traders big and small. Government had to wake up one day to see what the heck is going on with millions being sent in claims and they clamped down on the big fish getting into their books and then diving even further; the result, VAT claims of everyone gets blocked and now it’s been six months and waiting.

This had been going on for quite some time as the prices in the local market have been way cheaper than the freezone and the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel did indeed turn out to be the incoming train with VAT authorities at the helm of affairs. It’s anybody’s guess how far this would be dragged as the smaller guys won’t be able to sustain the long wait and the authorities are taking their sweet time, that they should sort the mess out. In the meantime, the Saudi stock has also slowed down a bit as the VAT champions there took the cool aid and went berserk as the rate in the land was 15%. Apples and Samsungs rained down DAFZA as if there were no tomorrow that sent the traditional traders as well as the distributors in a hallucination-inducing roller coaster.

Any yes, the new market for VAT is Oman that’s the sweetheart for the get rich quick schemers and For tips regarding smart retail you can always contact me at kazi.najib@playtorium.com Kazi Najib Ashraf moving there as their next destination. Authorities are learning the rope so a few of them would hit the jackpot while the administration gets its act together. Talking of Samsung, the boss man of androids now; an oversupply of microprocessors as well as Russian blockade sent the shiploads of stock towards Dubai creating a super glut. The channels have been clogged except for a few models with the distributors scurrying for backend support from the vendor.

Made in Egypt models have also started to float around and to the surprise of many the usual guys thought that this had been fake. They were already trying to rub their eyes to the reality of made in Pakistan, but this is way too much for them to fathom. So, the guys in Europe must pay heed that there indeed is a made in Egypt Samsung about to crash land in your part of the world. But still, you’ve got Samsung, then do get in touch as the market is still there and Iranians love it, except the ones made in Egypt.