Local Businesses in Arunachal Pradesh Struggle Against Foreign Competition
Impact of Foreign Brands on Local Traders
Itanagar, Jan 8: The Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) has raised concerns regarding the increasing influx of Bangladeshi products and foreign brands into Indian markets, which is adversely affecting local traders, MSMEs, and indigenous entrepreneurs in Arunachal Pradesh.
The chamber emphasized its commitment to lawful international trade and regional collaboration but warned that unregulated market penetration is fostering unfair competition against local businesses.
ACCI president Tarh Nachung highlighted that local traders are burdened with significantly higher transportation and operational expenses, making it challenging for them to compete with the lower prices of imported goods.
He cautioned that this trend jeopardizes local employment opportunities and traditional trades, contradicting the national initiatives of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Vocal for Local.'
The chamber noted that the growing presence of foreign brands is detrimental to local commerce, and ACCI teams plan to conduct surprise inspections in markets statewide to address violations.
Potential actions may include recommendations for revoking licenses, as stated in their announcement.
Recognizing the strategic and economic importance of the Himalayan region, Nachung urged policymakers to adopt a tailored approach when developing trade and market-access regulations.
The chamber also called on distributors of foreign brands operating in the state to immediately surrender their licenses, while retailers were instructed to sell or dispose of their existing inventory within a week.
ACCI has put forth several demands to the authorities, including regulating market access for foreign brands in 12 Himalayan states, stringent monitoring of quality and pricing of imported goods, providing policy protection and incentives for local traders and MSMEs, enhancing the promotion of Indian and local brands, and ensuring mandatory consultations with ACCI before any trade relaxations are granted.
Stressing that their protest is constructive and non-confrontational, the chamber clarified that it does not oppose international trade but advocates for fair trade practices and sustainable economic growth for local communities.