Demo set against influx of Chinese traders in Malawi

A peraceful demonstration has been organised in Blantyre   against the  ‘influx of Chinese traders in Malawi’ who are accused of employing unfair and non-competitive trade practices.

The demonstration is being organised by vendors at Limbe Market who  have since written Blantyre City Council (BCC), for permission to  hold their  peaceful protest.

The vendors argue that government, which claims to protect and support growth of indigenous traders, has failed to put in place policies that protect indigenous small businesses from foreign traders.

BCC public relations officer Anthony Kasunda confirmed receiving the letter dated  October 18 2018.signed by market chairperson Mbisa Limbe.

The vendors plan to hold their protests on October 25 2018.

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism has been querried on the criteria it follows in categorising foreign investors, citing some Chinese that are involved in general trading such as bottlestores.

Indigenous Businesses Association of Malawi (Ibam) president Mike Mlombwa said the organisation has taken the concerns  to government, but to no avail.