PHOTO
Saudi retail giant Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets Co has decided to stop importing Turkish products in response to campaigns by Saudi citizens to boycott Turkey due to its meddling polices in the region.
More retail chains have followed suit, suspending Turkish goods from supermarkets shelves, Saudi Gazette reported.
The kingdom and Turkey have been at odd over foreign policy and stance towards Islamist political groups.
Al-Othaim will dispose its stocks of Turkish goods in all branches and warehouses, and will not place new orders for Turkish goods.
“This decision has come in solidarity with the popular boycott campaign and out of the company’s belief in its national duties,” the retail chain said in a tweet.
“Our leaders, government and security are a red line that cannot be crossed.”
In the first week of October, the head of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Ajlan Al-Ajlan, called on all Saudis to stop doing business with Turkish companies in the kingdom.
“I say it with certainty and clarity: No investment, no import, no tourism,” said the head of Saudi Chamber of Commerce Ajlan Al-Ajlan in a tweet.
The boycott call came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that some countries in the Arabian Gulf were targeting Turkey and adopting destabilising policies.
Meanwhile, Turkey's top business groups including textile exporters and contractors urged the kingdom on Saturday to take action to improve trade relations as Turkish firms encounter growing problems in doing business with the Gulf Arab state.
However, Saudi Arabia's government media office has said authorities have not placed any restrictions on Turkish goods, Reuters reported.
(Writing by Seban Scaria; editing by Daniel Luiz)
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.
© ZAWYA 2020
