Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo today declared that no restrictions can be placed on Chinese businesses opening multiple shops in villages across the country, saying that any move to restrict businesses based on nationality will not only be against international practice but it will create a foreign policy situation for Guyana.
There have been mounting complaints about the large number of Chinese stores and supermarkets opening in communities across the country, forcing other persons with small community shops to close their business due to the dominance of the Chinese businesses.
The Private Sector Commission in recent weeks has been conducting research on the impact of Chinese businesses on the local private sector.
At press conference this afternoon, the Vice President said the concerns are genuine from businesses, adding that the main concern is that Chinese companies bypass regulatory approval and are given a free pass to sell a number of items in their shops while the laws are being applied to locals and prevent them from doing same.
Mr. Jagdeo admitted that a number of Chinese businesses sell a wide variety of products without having the requisite permits.
He said government has taken note of the complaints and has tasked the Regulatory bodies to ensure strict compliance.
“We have made it clear to the regulatory bodies, you have to enforce the law uniformly, and we believe that sometimes people are induced not to do that so we are paying careful attention to this to the extent that they have these issues occurring the people who are protesting they are right about that, I would have done that myself if I am next door to someone and he doesn’t have to observe the law and I have to do , particularly since I am a native of this country,” Mr. Jagdeo said.
The Vice President said there can be no discrimination.
“If the idea is to stop people because based on nationality it would be impossible to do it because what if China says we are not going to sell Guyana any of our goods anymore so you cant import anything from China because you don’t want our people based on nationality to sell in Guyana—you cant do that and discriminate based on nationality, but you can ensure compliance based on the laws of the country” Mr. Jagdeo noted.
Jagdeo agreed that there should be a levelled playing field where locals are able to sell their products without being harassed. On the other hand, he said he has received reports that Chinese businesses are a major convenience for many citizens in the communities because of their service and flexible opening hours.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login