Interview: China targets wholesale trade in Malawi

LILONGWE, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Embassador to Malawi Lin Songtian on Monday said that production of low products is a waste of natural resources which should be avoided if Malawi and China economies are to improve.


Lin told Xinhua after a press briefing at the 21st Malawi International Trade Fair (MITF) in Blantyre that the trade fair was hold in the country to give a true reflection of Chinese products.

"There are some Chinese traders who are setting up in rural areas and selling their commodities with poor quality at cheap prices. We want them to stop because as China we want them to create a mutual benefit whereby local Malawians should also benefit and thus provision of quality products," said the ambassador.

According to Lin, the trade fair is a good opportunity to promote the bilateral relationship that exists between the two countries.

Inside the Chichiri International Conference Hall, there are at least 30 Chinese companies including the now familiar ZTE and Huawei in the telecommunications sector.

The Chinese companies are exhibiting power machines, generators, lighting products, solar fittings, consumer electronics and hardware items. There are also Chinese tea and gift products.

He further said entrepreneurs from China should come to Malawi and do business in wholesale markets.

"Entrepreneurs from China are supposed to open wholesales so that Malawians can buy from them and sale on retail and not to come here and do retail business which is supposed to be done by small scale business Malawians," Lin said.

"This is the first time for some of the investors to come and look for markets here in Malawi, hence they should come and produce locally so that the consuming prices improve," he said.

He further called upon Malawian business people go to China doing business and promised to provide assistance to them, especially giving visas.

The 21st MITF, being held under the theme "promoting trade beyond the region", has attracted 204 local companies and exhibitors from seven countries, namely China, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.