Government ‘gives’ forex to over 20 Kaunjika wholesalers

Trade and Industry Minister Vitumbiko Mumba has disclosed that the government has given forex to over 20 Kaunjika wholesalers by Friday last week.

Mumba has, however, said he is surprised that some Kaunjika wholesalers have not reduced their bale prices despite the government’s efforts to address their concerns.

Speaking when he interacted with vendors in Mzuzu City Tuesday, Mumba said he had invited all Kaunjika wholesalers to a discussion on Wednesday to hear why some of them were still selling bales at high prices.

He said the government’s stand remained that kaunjika prices should go down or else he will revoke the licences of business owners who will fail to adhere to the standards.

“We are also saying that wholesale business owners should not also be selling their goods on retail [basis]. This is killing the business of local Malawians. There is no sense that foreign business owners should come here and start selling goods which Malawians can be selling on retail basis. This is one of the things we, as the ministry, want to discuss with them,” Mumba said.

Mzuzu City Main Market chairperson Alexander Sikwese commended Mumba for visiting the vendors, but said their expectations were that prices of Kaunjika bales and others goods would go down.