Malawi second-hand tyres trade: Govt urged to ban foreigners

The Indigenous Second Hand Tyre Dealers are pressing Malawi government to ban foreigners from selling second hand tyres by February 1 this year failing which they will hold demonstrations.

In a petition sourced by Nyasa Times addressed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the indigenous dealers say they are not comfortable with foreigners who have ventured into their business saying it posing a danger to their existence.

The traders say most of the local dealers operate on a small capital and grow slowly and with the coming in of foreigners with large capital therefore it is becoming difficult for them to compete on the market.

“Most of us operate on the small capitals and grow slowly from the those small capital, in contrast the foreigners venturing into the business with large capitals that are not even comparable to ours it is making us difficulty to compete on the market,” reads part of the petition.

The dealers are also surprised on why government issued a permit to this kind of foreigners to conduct such business which can be ably done by Malawian small medium enterprises.

Commenting on the petition Chairperson of the Indigenous Second Hand Tyre Dealers, White Ali Imran, said they have been discussing with the government officials for a quite considerable period but it seems the authorities are not ready to respond to their concerns.

“We have been in talks with Southern Region Trade Officer Brenda Bvalani who has been assuring us the her ministry is doing everything possible to stop foreigners selling second hand tyres but up to date there is nothing to that course,” Imran said in interview.

Imran said through their business they are able to look after their families and pay school fees to their children hence providing an alternative source of income to many people who have been jobless and idle.

“We started this business during the Kamuzu Banda era, the idea was to help poor Malawians who could not afford to buy the brand new tyres. The business has helped many young men to have a source of income for their daily living thereby providing an alternative to employment. We also pay taxes through the profits we realize from the business which contributes to the development,” Imran said.

He said they are now failing to hold their patience therefore they are asking government to order foreigners to stop the business.

Nyasa Times has established that most of the shops selling second hand tyres are owned by Nigerians, Somalians, Burundise and Chinese.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!