An issue raised in St Lucia by the local manufacturers association has grown legs. SMA president Paula Calderon told the STAR yesterday that since the organization spoke out over the issue of Chinese involvement in the business sector in St Lucia the issue has been receiving attention from other Caribbean territories and even the United States.
In a story published yesterday the Antigua Observer notes the SMA president’s concerns about Chinese investors in the region. The local association has been arguing for protection of local businesses much in the same way China protects its own businesses.
Belly full but them still hungry!
We were brought to the caribbean as slaves and we servived. We served under colonization of the Europeans and we servived.We got our independence and we have seen continuous development over the years. the selling of our rights to the Chinese is a reflecxtion of FAILED leadership. A redership that have made self interset more important than that of the people.
THE WAY SOME PEOPLE TALKING HERE YOU WOULD THINK THAT WE WERE SOOOOO HUNGRY AND BADLY OFF BEFORE THE CHINESE COME AND BROUGHT SALVATION TO US IN DOMINICA….WHY HE HAVE TO ALWAYS ACT LIKE WE HUNGRY IN DOMINICA NUH????
Finally somebody is speaking out. Word has to reach North American investors about the sorry situation right on our doorsteps. The people of the Carribeans deserve much better that cheap Chinese shoes.
We as blacks carribbean or Africans need to analyse what we are doing and where we are going. Look at all the other races and how they have progressed. Have we progressed.. NO. we are too busy critizing and fighting each other. NO VISION, NO STRATEGY, NO PLAN that’s us black.
Rather than being pro-active and thinking positively we rather sit back and wait until it is too late…. then we complain and blame
To make any progress, we should start by blaiming our blackselves. It is not the germans, chineses, americans, french fault. The opportunity was there and they took it.
The opportunity is there for us too only if we brave, determined, smart and positive about making a different.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
AND LLLLLLOOOOOOOOYYYYYYAAAALLL TO EACH OTHER, AND NOT ALWAYS QUICK TO SELL THE CARPET FROM UNDER OUR OWN PEOPLE…………YOU LEFT THAT PART OUT BRAINWASHER!!!!!! PROGRESS SHOULD NOT BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE LESS FORTUNATE AND THE UNFAVORED FEW….A GOOD IDEA AND BUSINESS ENRICHES THE LIVES OF MANY….AND DOES NOT BENEFIT ONLY A FEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
First let me say to you why do you have to shout, the mere fact you write you comments in capitals denotes to me you are shouting, is that necessary. You know when a child is scared of the dark you can forgive them but when you show grown people the light and they are not seeing it how can you forgive them.
Your reference to a good idea and business enriches peoples lives can be only true if the people embrace that good idea or business, if not they will not enjoy the benefits and enrich there lives no matter how good an idea is presented to them. When you mention the word progress saying that it should not be at the expense of the less fortunate and unfavored few,do you understand what you are saying. You are dividing people into classes that`s not how you achieve progress,divided we fall united we stand.You shout so much that you confuse your self, Where there is shouting,there is no true knowledge.
because people like u sitting on ur ears, thats why i must shout….. no amount of water you throw cant dilute the truth…..
Given the environment in the region as it relates to the sales of passports, China economical relations and balance trade opportunities, Miss Paula Calderon has to be commended and appreciated for her outspokenness, courage and moral ethics. We need more people like her in the region.
Given the environment in the region as it relates to the sales of passports, China economical relations and balanced trade opportunities, Miss Paula Calderon has to be commended and appreciated for her outspokenness, courage and moral ethics. We need more people like her in the region.
The success of a business depends on many customers, n’est pas? Who are the customers of these businesses and why do they choose to shop at these businesses?
It is very sad when people that should know better write comments and express opinions believing it to be true, how sad and disturbing that can be.People of the likes of Micheal Astaphan and Paula Calderon are typical of people who hold positions or represent people and you wonder how these people get these positions.
Finding it convenient to blame China for their lack of understanding how international trade and business works, especially in the era we are in now. When will they wake to see the old ways of doing business are gone.There is a new Kid on the block,even the mighty USA is being threatened and it is predicted they will lose the number 1 spot as the largest Economy in the world to China.The US is not calling for protectionism, they to have been complaining about unfair trade practices with China, and what have they done, embrace China using diplomacy and innovative ways of penetrating the Chinese market,and not laying blame.Isn’t,China the biggest holder of US bonds,so what is it with you two in a small pond complaining about a big fish,wake up face reality.
The Governments of Dominica and St Lucia signed the WTO agreement,which most Countries in the world are signatories to.I do not think they read or understand what the WTO is, because if they did, they would not be talking about a protectionism policy. Calling for Protectionism is like inviting suicide,are these people really serious.Can they honestly say that since China moved into the region they have not seen any positive economic impact in some Countries in the region,St.Lucia has not for sure, they aligned themselves with Taiwan and nothing big has happened and now their Government has switch. Ask the Jamaicans who saved their Sugar Industry, China.
In the last decade or so China has poured more money into the Region than the US ever did in its hey day.There are issues that come with all this investments and the influx of Chinese businesses, poor quality of goods,cultural differences,and even the questioning the of The Chinese Government motive for pouring so much money in the region, the to good to be true syndrome.
Let us not forget that these issues are not only happening in the region but all over,North America and Africa
China has only been a member of the WTO since about 2001, and there are reports that they are improving and opening up their markets.Most of the Chinese bashing is due to fear, stereotyping and lack of understanding cultural wise.It is time we look at change not as giving up something When we die, we are not going to bring Dominica with us in our grave this is what it sounds like after reading some of these comments, let us remember blame is just a lazy person’s way of making sense of what is going on around them without finding out what is the true cause
THE US INVEST IN PEOPLE WHO ARE SELF SUFFICIENT AND NOT BBBBBBEEEEGGGGGING FOR A FISH….CHINA WILL SHOWERRRRRRRRRR MONEY ON FOOLS WHO WILL STUFF THEIR POCKETS NOT THINKING OF THE COST AT WHICH THIS SO CALLED “AID” “HELP” “ASSISTANCE” COMES……THE US WILL ONLY HELP THOSE WHO ARE PREPARED TO HELP THEMSELVES…..THEY WILL ONLY HELP THOSE WHO WILL AAATTTEEEEMMPPPTTT TO BUILD THEIR OOWWWN BRIDGES IN THE YEAR 2012…..CHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
is not the same china that the US is indebted to,oh the one asisting dominica is a different china,you people just comment for commenting sake man,stop junk mailing DNO.
As much as i try to understand some of the things you people write i just seem to get more and more confused and lost. From your lengthy expose i still can’t understand how you could say that the Americans and British are not giving anything to Dominica. So my question is where is the EU funding for various projects come from? And what about all the forensic assistance and scholarships given to our students especially the children of those of and affiliated with this present regime in Dominica, what about the fact that the US allows so many of us to come live in the US, what about the PEACE CORPS volunteers, what about the help the US give to us in the fight against drugs? Sometimes i try my best to understand what is the motive you guys have for believing what you believe and for even expressing what you believe. Let’s face it China will never be a super power like America because true power in any country can only be realized when there is freedom for all. Do you see any signs of China allowing its citizens to be free any time soon? To be a real super power your country needs to be a place where people would gravitate to to realize their dreams. Do you have a plans of migratin g to China soon? Let me guess your answer is NO. Yes i agree with you that Dominica and St.Lucia signd WTO agreements but you seem to miss the point that even agreements these free trade agreements have been signed countries still use various tools to protect their local businesses …. But of course you missed that part. Do you know that one of the tools that can be used as a protection of our local businesses is the implementation of standards on goods and srvices rendered by any foreign provider. So that means my friend if that is done NO cheap sub standard Chinese goods will reach our people. But then again maybe I am wrong it might not be your people since you seem bent on defending you China- Take- Over- Dominica policy that you dont even realize that one day we might be drinking melamine in our milk in DOMINICA.
Quite interesting….she has dealt with quite a bit of symptoms, but what is the cause Ms. Calderon?
I guess if you say it, then you might be misquoted again. But the problem stems from somewhere. We continue to elect people to run our country because we like to see them. So here we go….
The region can boast of such highly trained people, yet we continue to elect people who can’t understand the difference between black and white to run the various countries.
Chinese will continue to take over until we become creative and independent. We are too damn dependent on outside influence and this is the reason why we are at this cross road. Soon you all will see the Chinese flag flying on all government buildings….
Black people are so easily duped. it’s like taking candy from a baby!
The USA, GB and Europe have done absolutely nothing that has been positive or beneficial for this region, so now they see some other people of colour making headway in a saprophytic way they get all jittery and start their imperialistic scaremongery and destablizing tactics and black people as usual fall for it again and again never learning anything from history. They strangled our banana industry and remember what they concocted in Grenada!
The recessive fear that these white powers have about aspiring or successfully independent nations of colour drives them to all sorts of bullsh?t so as to maintain their controlling hand in the destiny and well being of black people, and as usual, judging by the majority of responses here, they still have a nose ring on the face of most black people.
Why is it ok for Chinese to invest in the usa and europe? In fact it is probably less than two weeks ago David Cameron and his Exchecker were selling off british Water Authorities to China, plus most of americas national debt is owned by China otherwise america would be bankrupt, but that’s perfectly ok, isn’t it!!
Ignorant Black people will forever be slaves!! Wake up and study carefully what is going on and stop falling for these old tricks.
Well Said my brother
Right on target boug. As I write , the german Chancelor Murkle is here in China trying to convince the Chinese to bail out Europe from financial disaster. If it soo good for them how come we cannot get a little something too from the Chinese?
the thing is everybody will cry out now,but go back to when roseau had them old stagnant businesses,that made no improvements and expansions to create more employments,no instead they went political,now the chinese has brightened roseau,created more competition,their items may be inferior but at least it’s affordable,so dont blame the players,blame the game.
“Chinese had brightened roseau”, really
so is not true that the chinese has made big difference in terms of more stores,more businesses,more development,is there not a difference in roseau,i was born in roseau,grew up in roseau,you can not tell me about roseau.
let me also add america is built on migrants,the same chinese who’s hands you all are bitting,are a very large populace in america,whom you all see as well developed,are you all going to stay in the backwoods and not take the advantage that is given to build dominica,st lucia’s situation does not really have to be the same here,st lucia is more developed than us.
What competition? Dominican local businesses are not enjoying some of the port and other exemption that the Chinese businesses are enjoying. How do you explain their tendency to proliferate so quickly in society? Am not saying that Chinese business is not tolerated but who really is profiting from Chinese shops where there is no VAT for the maintenance of things like the free school bus for the students? The free hospital facilitation for those exempt because of age? These Chinese shops operate on loans from China cheap loans…a luxury that Dominican local businesses do not enjoy. So what competition again? This is just globalization right in at our front gate…..
Dominicans r more intelligent n aware of what is going on in their society. u sound silly trying 2 make it look like its a negative thing.
THE WORD IS BE COMPETIVE
All of the developments that we received from the British Gov’t the United States etc over the years amounts to much more than the Chinese have contributed thus far yet still we do not see their symbols all over the place. The Japanese built three fisheries complex one at Roseau, the other at Marigot and the third at Portsmouth yet still we do not see not one Japanese symbol example the Dragon or the fly or whatever- the question to us is what does China have over us that allows them to do whatever they want with our sovereignty I guess only the MOU can tell us. And please people do not respond by telling me if I wish then do not pass on the bridge or drive on the E O Leblanc Highway designate the issue is bigger and holds more significants than that.
In an earlier contribution I highlighted the fact that on such big projects anywhere else in the world or any country where transparency is demanded one would see huge build boards or displays illustrating an outline of the design, the contractor and the engineers etc of such a project- in fact it is a requirement- we saw it for the Trafalgar/Valley Road Road, we saw it for the Canefield/Pond Case- to Marigot Road, we saw it for the fisheries complex we saw it for the Melville Hall Airport Expansion; for the Scott Head Soufrierre Sea Defense Works etc etc. We are yet to see any such thing for any one of the Chinese financed projects and we Dominicans are the ones to pay back- where is the transparency where is the accountability; Given the history of Roseau, the market, Roseau River mouth and Bay Town could not Dr Honeychurch and or Dr. Alwin Bully come up with a more indengenous symbol. We are now seeing so called gift items intended for visitors carrying made in China marked Dominica on it while our local indegenous craft is put on a back shelve.
when people like me speak or comment we are branded as being anti development what a myopic minded people.
In Dominica the China conspiracy is a lie whereas what the concern patriots are raising caution about is happening in the region and has plundered African countries. What is truly facilitating to the Chinese motive is that the the politicians are in the pockets of Chinese. The same thing happened in Africa. The Chinese built identical stadiums in those countries , pay off the politicians and before you know it Chinese vessels were bringing in their junk and shipping out African resources.
Dominicans keep on condoning a system that is bound to destroy our country all in support of politicians who have received cash money , Rolexes etc with private bank account. Do your research , open up your eyes
The problem is not the Chinese but corrupt politicians who allow and facilitate China’s plot.
And what is America or Europe bringing into Dominica apart from guns and drugs?
Go and clean your rose tinted glasses and perhaps you will see and hopefully understand the big picture.
reality check? when in the aboundance of water the nation is thirsty, you will need a tinted glasses to see the big picture.
chinese are giving aid to countries and they rip off the natural resouces of the countries and send it back to chinese, do your research and you will see the big picture.in support of WIKILEAK.
@ reality check, u are the one need to see the big picture,as we can see u are the one that’s brain wash into a system u don’t understand.politicians play games with there people and u fell right in that trap
We dominican need to take control.
We have always been in control but somebody had to do something to develop the city it was dead we just have to make sure they dont put to much karate kicks on our people
she is mixed .. i believe.. perhaps one of her parents were of the cacausian race..its good that she is rep her interests and the oecs 2-afterall she owns a biz called cbean awnings.. who knows she prob done biz in DOM anyway, its not new to us in the region who has//had diplomatic relations with china to notice when they finance projects they employ their own and some of their own or others through their gov foreign policy initiatives expand their tentacles in economies world over.. at least they are not imperialist that is the CHINESE GOV..historically ROME/ENGLAND/GREECE were..
there can be found a china town all over canada,usa,E.U do the business surrounding the various CHINA TOWNS around the world complain & say get rid of these chinese .. NO THEY WOULD LOVE TO BUT.. so if we are getting well needed GRANTS apart from E.U,VENEZUELA who else will help us in the region.. although their stores offer low standard goods..they engage in restaurants,supermarkets etc..they employ although again salaries are’nt alot but its our govs fault to enact proper labour codes..these chinese biz spend millions yearly in our economies do some research in any island and C 4 yourselves
‘Islandboy’ You’re wasting your time on most people here. They can’t see past their own nose muchless see or understand the broader world picture.
Those people are operating like a bad cold….it’s contagious with nasty symptom;,head-ache, fever stomach-ache and there seems to be no cure in sight…..hmmm…now how does one get rid of a bad virus??
Now St.Lucia is concern that the prostitution of our sovereignty is going to have a negative effect on the rest of the region?..OK!!
I have no choice but to get a good laugh at this. I clicked on the original link to the story. I read, then went to the comments section. OMG! There are NO Comments! Oh My! No Comments! And Dcans are writing essays on DNO.
Ive got to wonder, are St. Lucians busy working while Dominicans are idling their tongues away?
Zero comments on link. Can you imagine that?
i’ve commented b4 on this site… so i guess others are commenting also… while you try to belittle us on commenting… i’m just letting you know may the moderator of the site you speak of is too LAZY to do any work….. the long essays should let you know that dominicans are not stupid just that some like WIKILEAKS are stoopeed
@ lol
Dominicans are not idling their “time” away. It appears to be the other way for St. Lucians. Dominicans are concerned and involved in what is occurring in their their country and have every right to be. If St. Lucians appear to be disinterested, one day they may wake up to a takeover of their country and you know by whom. Use your judgment if you have any.
The last laugh is on you. What you fail to understand and gasp is that we Dominicans are very opinionated. Yes, some of the opinions expressed may be negative, or may be disliked depending on Political Partisan but at the end of the day that says a lot about us as a people we love to express our selves and share our opinions and to me that’s great.What makes you think that because we spend our time making comments to news article we are idle, the mere fact that you have time to make a comment does that mean you are idle of course not, so stop trying to be sarcastic,but again you are entitled to your opinion and be thankful for a forum like this where you can be heard.
You are correct…I think these people spend way too much time writin crap…the Parrot Sydrome..my padna Mouth of the South is being treated for such..he is drinking lennox tea
Do they discuss issues in Dominica.
Does the average citizen have the ability to be independant on national issues…
Do Dominicans see the Bigger Picture or a few years down the road…
Can someone Tell me where is the Vision,,what is be entrench to have a postive outcome in Dominica..
Lets face the facts do our so call Pros contribute daily to the national discuss..
Our the draw Hugh salaries sit back drink high grade liquor and care less about the Poverty and other issues around the island.
its amazing when you think deeply..its a joke.
Can only one man have the answer in Dominica.
Does one so call high profile attorney in the bowels of the Regime direct everything on island..
Do Dominicans come out and voice their actions…
Is slavery still lurking in the minds of Dominicans are they afraid of their own blood.
Are they planning to let the Chinese run Government affairs and and dictate to its citizens….
what actions do the policy makers, unions etc do….tell me any cost of actions which are has made some fruit..
honestly i do see it happening..everyone is expecting something to fall from the unknow..
Things only change when the people get wise..
In most cases it take a radical movement to wake up the sleepers around, someone or a grouping has to bite the bullet and do it.
If a election is called now can the opposition and patriots stop it..dont think so..they are weak….in my view only talk..
the state palace was a classic example of how weak the citizens are.
in a progessive society where the citizens are thinkers they would camp outside their by the hundreds…and surely get a change as the law folks cant charge 1,000 citizens..
Way too much radio talk, its getting nothing down…
Firmly Dominicans are pleased with whats happening as the outside world hasnt seen them take any action, so why would they interfare with Dominica…
Things are booming in Dominica and the citizens are proud to be dictated by the chinese its products and state of affairs…
Sooner the chinese influx will drive the local dominicans into the rugged interior, thats where they surely deserve to be!
Amen Sooner! These are valid and pertinent questions that I’ve asked myself and thinktanks, who have seen the troubles that are going to confront the entire Hemisphere, to even include Africa. But no! It just wont happen in the minds of the greedy politicians who have put their interests and the tyrannical Chinese regime interests before country. I’ve come to the conclusion that our people are just too venal to make provisions for their children’s tomorrow. Only time will tell, when it’s too late. Believe me, your questions are lurking in the minds of many, who just can’t stand for what is right. Good luck my people. Its all part of the Chinese geopolitical and global strategies.
****Mental Slavery******
Well, we caribbean leaders usually welcome everything as long as it’s not our own!!
We usuallyy bend in all different positions to accomodate all kinds of foreign business and products. But when it comes from us the natives?????? Weh papa!! Watch ou!t we are not so appreciative of our local business men and their products!! Like we are not good enough!!
As Bob Marley said; “emancipate our selves from mental slavery none but our selves can free our minds!!
We need to apprciate our own products and our hard working business people! Otherwise we shall keep ripping what we have been sadly sewing for all these years!
We are better than that!! We just need to open our eyes.
Gee that’s a good point. But one should also ponder the fact that lack of professionalism and standards in general when comes to the local businesses. That in itself is a turn-off for consumers. In addition, they often operate at a higher cost thus higher prices for less. While the latter could be attributed to the system or lack there off in place to help reduce cost for small businesses, the former point has a great impact. We certainly do not want a China Town as that world be detrimental the local businesses. Note also many local businesses that exist are already feeling the pressures from the Syrians (Arab) who have been monopolizing the business sector in Dominica since way back when. It is time for Black African Dominicans to take their rightful place on the Dominican business front. I agree with you that will only happen when we can genuinely support each other and we are able to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery. But from my personal assessment we as a people are very far from achieving that. Thus we will continue to slaves to the system even though our figureheads look like us. We are still at the stage brother/sister let me take what I can while I can everyone for his/her self and suffer from grabs in a barrel syndrome. God Bless The People of Dominica.
Wonder if thats not a attempt to re colonise the caribbean region..wow..
many folks who say they were either into black power or understood the whole roots reggae vibes and the message it carried like emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, dont see to understand anything from that line…
its sad that in Dominica’s case many so call smart folks sit back and arent pro-active..
what ashame..seems that our educational system failed us badly in Dominica…
thats why i will maintain that so call profs havent really done this region well at all..
they boast of degress etc..but sadly they dont contribute as profs do in the international societies what ashame…
we are actualy fed with crumps low level products and we sit back and smile..way way, this is slavery at its proffessional point.
just look at dominica folks go crazy over a bridge,,what it shows the outside world is that some caribbean island their citizens are highly ignorant and can be purchased easily…thats why our caribbean folks take money contributions to vote a candidate..what a joke in a world where man’s thinking has gone into space age…some folks still think in the stone mentality…
its a sad state of affairs that some caribbean island as they would call it has soldout their fore fathers hard work to gain freedom in the past..the new age citizens have re-tracked back into how the tribes were on the africa when they sold their bro-man to the europeans..
is this for real that we dominicans lack pride and class..no wonder a guy can dis the law and be praised as a champion this says alot of how we are as dominican citizens.
Its just a matter of maybe months before the DLP Regime brings in a chinese into the Parliment which will be embrace by dominicans as they will sit by talk and do nothing..
heard the Prime Minister speaking re the censor count about merging villages..hmm interesting,,,MAYBE ITS TIME GOD CAME TO TAKE HIS KINGDOM ON EARTH!
Stop the rubbish talk and xenophobic rantings!!!!!
People are not jumping up and down in Dominica for a bridge because they are ignorant and stupid.
Infrastructure is lacking on the island. Therefore, any significant improvement brings euphoria from the masses.
A major component to any form of development is infrastructural development. If you can’t move poructs and people from point A to B in a safe and timely manner, it is very difficult to accomplish targeted goals.
The region had a great opportunity to unite, grow and develop as one entity. Remember the larger islands voted against the idea of a Federation. We have not been the same ever since.
woe be on to the people that support a government which has handed over our economic power to the chinese…
RUBBISH!!!! Stop the laziness and speak more to our people on productivity and then maybe we will begin to reclaim lost territory to the chinese. We can begin by encouraging our young people WHO ARE IN JOBS (such as the case of Clear Habour) to begin taking employment seriously. It is folks like you who feed people with rubbish and encourage such negative behaviour amoung our people. No wonder we aren’t going anywhere!!!
Is this lady a white American investor???
Foolish question
Born St.Lucian !!!!
@ Anonymous
Are you really?
that sounds like a kingshill-ish question
very good question fairplay,she don’t look african to me
We are not Africans either, we are Caribbean people a mix of a lot of different people
@ Richard, I think you need to ask yourself based on African Union laws what is the African Diaspora? Too often many of our Caribbean “blacks” are too uneducated about their identity. They are ashamed of who they are. It is time for “Caribbean blacks” to stop with the mixing game. http://www.africankingdoms.com
richard u fool we a not from the continent but africans by nature our culture and history.we will never reach nowhere as a people bcuz of fools like u uneducated and dont know about your own self and history.every body is getting rich from we suppot the,arab,chines indian,white man but they don’t suppot our businesses.am all about my people and if all doh like it eat,now is the best time for us to unite and be as one people but people like u keep braking down the ladder.we will never move up as a people if we dont reeducate our self about everything.one love
What does African look like? There are White Africans too.
@home boy,there a whites and arabs that are born in africa but they a not part of africa.they have no place in our history and culture,there was’nt any whites and arabs on the great jesus,holy mary and many more.that was some of the slaveships if u did’nt know.whites and arabs are the invaders of our mother land,they rape and infect africa.so if u only know hissstory and not your own story please dont say anything.one love
dominicans that want to support things because ‘their party’ in power… if as a dominican you can’t see the influx of chinese is has a more negative impact then positive……. then i’m sorry… but you are true *DummyKneeCyan*
And where is that “Influx?” Marigot?, Grandbay?? Woodfordhill??? Wesley??
We the local businessmen must embrace competition and where necessary work with each other to recognize ‘economies of scales’ that’s what thechinese does.
Medium size businesses must buy out smaller ones or merge their resources in order to survive… Also we know the chinese on island sells inferior products we must also realize price is a significant factor for customers, so we need to try to keep the our prices low and our quality high…..
I can presume that you are no businessman based on your comment but if you are I will say further that you are not a smart one
of course competition must be appreciated… because the masses benefit…. but when there is unfair competition… your competitor is given ‘credits’ that he/she can use that gives an unfair advantage resulting in you losing business then their is nothing to be appreciative about… especially when such business people don’t provide employment for the locals… and allegedly don’t pay taxes… now how can you appreciate such??
“We the local businessmen must embrace competition.” Are the Chinese looking to embrace competition sir? They will be looking to take over your business soon.
Hmmm, Correction, many will not agree with you on your suggestions, but i do. We need to use the Chineses’ strategies to win them in the game.
You will also notice that the head of the St. Lucia Manufacturers’s Association has taken a stance that is similar to that taken by many Dominican business persons: First, look to the government for protection then, denigrate the Chinese. What is needed is a deliberate (i.e planned and coordinated) response to the Chinese presence from among local businesses. Then, lobby the government to institute whatever changes it can (considering severe limitations due to WTO protocols).
Like it or hate it, the Chinese are not going away and neither will their “cheap” imports. In addition, governments around the world are very limited in legally blocking trade, coming from any group of persons. So, our repsonse to the Chinese, in my view, is above all, at the grassroots level; among businessmen and customers.
Economies of scale. You need to put down your dictionary my friend and recognize:
(1) Dominica can never compete with China. Economies of scale you say? China can outproduce us anytime because they have the resouces and capital to do so. If local businesses sell for $1, they can sell for $.10 cents and make a profit because of the volume of people they have access too. Hence we cannot compete. Local businesses need their protection.
@ Correction
Cooperation! Cooperation! Cooperation which is what is required in Dominica, among DA business owners.