Dear Editor,

THE Chinese business enterprise is an important component in the world, and we are all consumers of their goods and services. Although this is a fact, I call for greater respect from them in regard to our country’s policies and people.

They must act according to the terms and conditions stated in their agreements. Bai Shan Lin has put their hands and feet everywhere in life and industry, instead of concentrating on their main area of investment. Recent complaints have shown that they are competing with our stone quarries, trucking sand, hardware stores.

They are aggressively selling these goods when the duty-free vehicles were bought to mainly transport logs. The wrongful use and abuse of these vehicles need to be stopped immediately. Their goal should not be to compete with small and medium-sized businesses. This practice is unheard of and is too aggressive.

It was reported that Bai Shan Lin is selling the hardware on top of logging trucks, and visit construction sites to sell hardware and construction materials. Again, this will definitely affect local manufacturers and porters who solely engage in this trade, and businesses that employ staff and pay workers via NIS.

Government should ensure Bai Shan Lin are not allowed to exercise ultra-vires on their terms of reference. Bai Shan Lin should make every effort to comply with their terms of reference, otherwise there needs be the suspension of contract. They should not be allowed to use their giant legs and hands to stifle investment of local investors.

We must encourage the Chinese to invest, but with very serious systems to supervise their projects. It is also known that Chinese stores and businesses do not like to pay taxes and they often remit tax of VAT and NIS. This is also true of some local business people. Government should put a strict framework in place to ensure a friendly business environment from which all benefit, and in which none can exceed their legal terms of arrangement.

Regards,
ROSHAN KHAN