the goan I network
MARGAO
Will sentiments over the Dhoklam standoff between China and India finally result in the revocation of the trade licence issued to Chinese cell phone maker Oppo in the commercial capital?
Oppo has already obtained a trade licence on technical grounds from Margao Municipal Council for its exclusive sale point in the heart of the Commercial capital, metres away from Municipal garden.
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, who has taken up cudgels for the agitated cell phone retailers from the city, however, on Tuesday issued clear directions to the Margao Municipal Council to revoke the trade licence issued to Oppo immediately.
Reason: When local sentiments run high across the country in the wake of the Dhoklam standoff between China and India, the Minister felt that the Margao Municipality should not encourage a direct Chinese sale point in the city, running against the interests of the local mobile phone retailers.
In fact, Vijai said Dhoklam stand-off may see a huge reduction of sale of Chinese products in the ensuing Ganesh Chathurti festivities, adding that the local civic body should protect the interest of the mobile retailers instead of the Chinese company.
"I am told that the MMC Chief Officer has issued the trade licence to Oppo on technical grounds. But, here is a case the civic body can very well revoke the permission based on local sentiments. The company wants to set up a direct sale point at Margao, which runs contrary to the local sentiments. This government will not allow such things to happen. I have already spoken this issue with the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who too is in favour of protecting the interests of the local traders," Vijai said, while asking MMC Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai to call a Council meeting and revoke the trade licence.
Chairperson Babita pointed out that the Municipality is having its meeting on August 30, adding that the issue of trade licence issued to Oppo will be deliberated and the licence revoked.
"Any company from any country is welcome here to do business with local partners. If a Chinese manufacturer wants to circumvent this we do not want such outlets. I have spoken to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is also of the opinion that the government should protect interests of local traders," Vijai said, adding "while the Chief Officer has issued the trade licence on technical grounds, the elected Council will revoke the licence with a Council resolution".
Cell phone retailers maintained that they have nothing to do with any foreign company provided they open a showroom in partnership with locals. "Just 10 showrooms in a city will be enough to shut down the retail business. Moves to set up direct company outlets is an alarming situation," stated Carlton Pimenta.
