PORVORIM: The All Goa Furniture Manufacturers and Traders Association of Mapusa (AGFMTA) has objected to the granting permissions for consumer exhibitions and has demanded that the government form guidelines for exhibitions to protect the interests of local furniture manufacturers and traders.
AGFMTA President Paresh Raikar said that the sale of furniture is seasonal; during the monsoons, no furniture is sold. He added that during the festive seasons, many exhibitions that include furniture stalls are held, due to which their business suffers.
Raikar further stated that the furniture manufacturers and traders are not objecting to the entire exhibitions, but only the sale the furniture. He said, “If such exhibitions are allowed, local furniture manufacturers and traders will have to close down their business establishments. It is high time the government thinks seriously about this issue and forms guidelines for these exhibitions to protect the interest of the locals.”
Tivim Industrial Estate president Suraj Mantravadi stated that as per information provided by the government, around 50 exhibitions are held in Goa annually. Since most of them are held in fields, they do not have overheads and hence, goods can be sold at cheaper rates.
He continued, “Local manufactures and traders not only generate employment for the locals, but the panchayat, municipalities and government earns substantial revenue. Hence, it is the government’s duty to safeguard the interests of the local manufacturers and traders.”
Mantravadi added that AGFMTA has made a representation to the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, and Saligao MLA, requesting them to frame guidelines for these exhibitions to protect the interest of local manufactures/traders.
