FIJI RETAILERS BRISTLE AT INDIAN TRADE SHOWS
Calls for government regulators

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, April 14, 2008) – The Suva Retailers Association has expressed concern over retailers from India continuing with their trade shows in Fiji.

Association president Himmat Lodhia has called on the Government to "wake up".

Lodhia said despite the fact that they are flouting rules and regulations and the important fabric of the trade in Fiji, the Indian Retailers are allowed to ply their hawking trade in the country.

"We understand these traders are not paying regular taxes as goods at import have been grossly undervalued, and we believe they are not even registered for Value-Added Tax (VAT). They have also been disregarding the Prices and Income Board (PIB) regulations always imposed on the normal Retailers.

Lodhia said they have approached various Government departments and Ministers, including the interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

"The already depleted retail trade which is down by an average of 40% this year will be hit further by this vulture culture! The Retailers in Fiji are definitely not getting a level playing field; otherwise we can challenge any outsider from plying their retail trade in Fiji. The Government of the day should wake up before it is too late!"

Lodhia added that the previous Governments have been vigilant about such trading in the past, and they believe this type of retailing can be a big scandal in itself.

"We also believe a lot of substandard and seconds merchandise is being sold at these so called exhibitions by Indian Retailers. This is not an exhibition."

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