Merchants from across Goa’s municipal towns have expressed concerns over rising operational costs, stringent taxation policies, and increasing competition from online e-commerce platforms.
Merchants gathered in Panjim under the leadership of Vinod Shirodkar of the New Market Traders Association, Margao, to discuss the revival of the All Goa Merchants Association (AGMA), which has remained inactive for nearly 15 years.
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The meeting, attended by representatives from various towns, was convened to chart a roadmap for strengthening the merchant community’s collective voice at the state level.
Aggrieved members highlighted the urgent need to revive AGMA, emphasising that a united and organised platform is essential to protect and promote the interests of the state’s merchants, traders, retailers, and shopkeepers.
Rising operational costs, stringent taxation policies, and growing competition from online e-commerce and last-mile delivery services were cited as key challenges threatening the sustainability of traditional businesses.
