‘Made in China’ flags steal business in the Kingdom
Manama : Several businesses are on the verge of closing down due to the influx of the Chinese market in the National Flag business, DT News has learnt.
Traders who have been in this line of commerce for ages said that despite the harsh economic situation people were still buying flags and other decorative items to celebrate Bahrain’s National Day which falls on December 16.
However competition from their Chinese counterparts is stealing their ‘rightful’ business as customers prefer cheap imports instead of locally made flags.
“I have been in this business for decades and I was one of the first to start it. It was great business back then,” said a veteran tailor.
“We not only make flags of Bahrain, but we also make flags for Qatar nationals, who are in Bahrain to celebrate their national day. But now the time has changed, and the threat what we face today is influence of nylon flags offered at a cheap price. People still buy flags, but they prefer buying them from sellers on the roads.”
As the national day preparations are in full swing, businesses have already stocked up on flags and other decorates have started appearing at various shops at Bab Al Bahrain.
People of all ages are purchasing items like wristbands, mufflers, badges, stickers, t-shirts, and colourful buntings in order to showcase their patriotism to the kingdom.
Shops have already put on display dresses in red and white symbolizing the country’s flag in order to attract customers.
Meanwhile DT News has learnt that Ministries prefer to re-use flags bought last year instead of buying new ones for the National Day celebrations. This too has affected businesses adversely.
“We have been specialising in the making of flags, and we do it in our own unique way. We not only make flags, but we also come up with different kinds of costumes each year,” said a businessman who is on the verge of closing down.
“But the influx of Chinese products and things sold on the streets as cheap as 500 fils are stealing our market, and we forced to close down the business due to loss. We urge the government to bring in rules to control the import of inferior Chinese products into the country,” he added.
Bahrain’s National Day celebrations will extend throughout this month and will include a wide array of events.
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