Boycott shadow on Chinese items

PUNE: The call for boycott of Chinese goods has had a big impact on sales with the traders witnessing a significant decline in such items this Diwali across the state.
Aurangabad Firecrackers Traders' Association secretary Ganesh Kharat on Wednesday said all its members have opted to import only Indian-made firecrackers this year. "We have urged 160 of our members and the people in general to shun Chinese products for the economic development of the region and country," he said.
"Around 140 stalls for sale of firecrackers are put up at the Zilla Parishad Ground at Aurangapura by our members.Each stall invests around Rs 2-4 lakh to get firecrackers during Diwali. Nearly 98% of the stock are procured from Tamil Nadu," he said.
"Though Indian firecrackers are 10-15% costlier than Chinese goods, they are superior in quality. We urge customers to opt for indigenous products," he said.
Aurangabad Jilla Vyapari Mahasang's (AJVM) former president Ajay Shah said, "Chinese products have been eating into the local markets for years, but opposition to Chinese products gained momentum after the neighbouring country blocked the Brahmaputra tributary and supported Pakistan after the Uri attack."
The situation in Kolhapur is also similar. Decorative lanterns are up for grabs in hundreds across the city markets, with discounts pouring in to celebrate the festive season in style. The traders have almost put a blanket ban on Chinese items with most going in for Made-in-India products. Amit Prabhu, a seller, said the demand for the Made-in-India products are much high this festival.
"In the wake of the recent tension between India and Pakistan after the Uri attack, there are campaigns on social media platform to boycott products from "Pakistan's friend" China," he added.