Exposition Or Imposition ?
Traders impose their will on organisers rather than the other way around. This is not progress…
Exposition
It is most disheartening to see how well-meaning intentions are being exploited for selfish reasons. The much heralded Wenzhou Brand-name and Quality Products Exposition and the Perak Agrofest 2010 bore witness to this flagrant display of self-serving profiteering.
The Wenzhou Expo-sition was held at Stadium Indera Mulia Ipoh from June 24 to 27 while the Perak Agrofest was held at Ladang Infoternak Sungai Siput (Utara) from August 5 to 8. The former was to showcase Wenzhou’s quality products such as leather wares, furniture, machi-nery and apparel consistent with the lifting of trade restrictions between China and ASEAN nations. The Perak Agrofest, on the other hand, is an annual agricultural festival organised by the state government to honour the contributions of farmers, fishermen and stock-breeders.
Opportunities
Although both promote different products, their aims are almost identical – to create economic activities in a confined space and provide a window of opportunity for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs. The exposition will allow buyers and sellers to meet at an appointed place and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue. The opportunity to interface with potential clients in a non-hostile environment is what the participants seek and cherish.
The Wenzhou Expo-sition was divided into two sections, one for the Chinese the other for the locals. Nearly 150 booths in the Chinese section were taken up by traders from Wenzhou. Local traders filled some 34 booths in the local section. Most of the products on show at the Chinese section were leather goods, furniture, machines, tools and apparel.
Secretive
In spite of the huge influx of visitors there did not seem to be much interaction between buyers and sellers. “They seem so secretive,” complained one old timer. “I’ve been trying to get them to tell me more about their products but to no avail,” he added. Was this a cunning ploy to keep inquisitive visitors away? Could it be the language barrier? I have no way of telling. Judging from the mood, their presence was merely to fulfil an obligation – to be part and parcel of the show.
The objective of the trade exposition was to exhibit Wenzhou quality products which would then be manufactured in Perak for the world market. And since this was the major thrust of the exposition, the traders’ lack of interest in retailing was only too obvious. Little wonder their presence at the stadium ended a day earlier on June 26 while the local traders remained till closure time on June 27.
Interestingly, there was much to see in the local section. I never realised that there is a thriving chocolate-making factory near Sunway City in Tambun. It makes fanciful chocolate products for export to neighbouring countries.
Agrofest
It was a different ball game over at the Perak Agrofest in Sungai Siput. Traders paid between RM1,400 to RM1,600 to rent a booth for the four-day agriculture festival. At a typical festival of this nature, one would expect to see agriculture and aqua-culture products and livestock such as dairy cattle, sheep, goats and ducks on show. A mini-petting zoo is mandatory. But that was not the case. At least a third of the more than 600 booths were taken up by traders selling Thailand-made garments and goods. They must be cashing in on the coming Ramadan month to make a quick buck.
The objective of the festival, that is: “to provide farmers, fishermen and stock-breeders an opportunity to promote and sell their products”, was lost in the mayhem.
Profits
A straight-forward exposition has inadvertently become an imposition. Traders impose their will on the organisers. Profits, not promotion is the buzz-word. This unfortunate development will have a negative impact on progress. And however much the organisers may want to disclaim the allegations of profiteering, the sad truth is there for all to see.
Fathol Zaman Bukhari
Category: Editorial, Latest News
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