UMFCCI, associates to sell basic foodstuffs at fairer prices in industrial-zone townships

By Nyein Nyein

The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and its affiliated organizations have considered selling basic food commodities at the much fairer price in the townships where industrial zones are located, said UMFCCI Vice-Chair Dr Maung Maung Lay.

“They want to sell basic foodstuffs directly to consumers. This move aims to avoid the unnecessary price hike as there is an abundant supply in their hands. The federation and its associates just want to make smooth commodity flow,” he highlighted.

UMFCCI has cooperated with its affiliated organizations such as Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), Myanmar Rice & Paddy Traders Association (MRPTA), Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers’ Association (MEODA), and Hlinethaya Industrial Zone Management Committee and sold the basic food commodities at a more reasonable price for the local people in Hlinethaya Township on 26 March.

Besides, this plan will proceed to other industrial townships in the coming days, in coordinating with other related organizations.

This effort is to ensure the adequate supply of basic foodstuffs in the local market and control the price increase amid Covid-19 negative impacts.

They will make sure not to harm the local vendors, corner stores, retail and wholesale businesses.

At present, the majority of the hard labours and low-income groups are dwelling in Hlinethaya, Shwepyitha and Shwelinpan townships. The federations and associates will offer the basic commodities at a much fairer price, said MRF Chairman U Ye Min Aung.

The rice and other commodities will be sold to the factory workers and locals in the townships as much as they demand, he stressed.

In the meantime, some unscrupulous traders are exploiting the market upon the false news amongst the people and selling foodstuffs with the up-charge, UMFCCI Vice-Chair Dr Maung Maung Lay also added.

“Some people began to panic due to false news and they are hoarding in grocery stores. Similar cases are now happening across the world. Some are out of stocks even in the US. The panic-buying is still visible in some places. It’s just a usual phenomenon and such shoppers will slowly cool down,” he said.

Besides, MRF has already notified the public not to believe misinformation and disinformation and reaffirmed them the other day not to worry about any possible shortage of rice as they have an adequate supply of rice in the domestic market.

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has reported to the public on MRTV on 24 March that the Government has no plans to shutter the necessary public services, markets, sales and purchases centres, ensuring food security. (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)