Businessmen from Gujarat have once again upped the ante for the boycott of Chinese products as China continued its support to Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar. Just ahead of Holi, traders have planned bonfire of Chinese goods across Gujarat. However, a section of the business community believes that reducing dependency on Chinese imports is a good long term strategy, but should be implemented only after creating manufacturing capacities locally.
Agitated traders and other businessmen have planned a bonfire of Chinese products on March 19. "We have sought police permission for conducting bonfire of Chinese goods, a day ahead of Holi in a number of cities of Gujarat," said Mahendra Shah, national chairman of CAIT.
Shailesh Patwari, former president of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), who had spearheaded the campaign to boycott Chinese goods in October 2016, said that Chinese support to Masood Azhar and penetration of its goods in Indian market cannot go hand-in-hand. "Chinese dominance of the Indian market is more dangerous than Pakistan sponsored terrorism. It is one form of economic terrorism," said Patwari. He is mobilizing other business bodies to come forward to boycott Chinese products.
With Holi just days away, there are also campaigns to boycott pichkaris that are made in China. Businesses in consumer items say that over 50 per cent products in categories like bags, cutlery products imitation jewellery is cornered by imported Chinese products. "What is happening is not good, we are finding how we can support the cause. Participation of apex trade bodies and the end user is key to its success," said Amit Desai, joint president of Ahmedabad Cutlery and General Merchants Association. A meeting of various business associations is planned in the next few days, during which a roadmap to boycott Chinese products is likely to be prepared. However, Desai rules out the possibility that traders who have already bought Chinese products will stop selling them but said that future imports can be reduced.
Manish Doshi, spokesman of Congress party in Gujarat has also questioned the logic of central and state government extending a red carpet welcome to Chinese companies to make investments in Gujarat.
SUDDEN MOVE?
- A section of business community does not favour a knee jerk reaction and instead advocate a long term strategy to reduce Chinese import
- Manufacturers of dyes and pharmaceuticals in Gujarat are heavily reliant on Chinese raw materials
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