Promote Swadeshi to boost Indian economy and eliminate illegal trade: National Co-Convener, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch

NEW DELHI: Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convener, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch yesterday said that in the name of free trade, many countries are promoting illegal trade. In such situation, it is very important to promote Swadeshi to boost the country’s economy and eliminate illegal trade.

Addressing a webinar ‘Go Vocal for Local to Combat Illicit Trade’ organised by FICCI CASCADE (FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), Dr Mahajan said, “Issues like dumping, under invoicing and smuggling have led to loss of revenue to the government, closing of domestic production and have impacted job opportunities for our youth.”

Mr Najib Shah, Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs said, “Illicit trade hurts the country and needs to be effectively countered through a combination of policy intervention, enforcement and creating consumer awareness. Being self-reliant or swadeshi in its true essence does not mean shutting the doors to FDI or trade; it is a strategy to grow our capabilities, source products from within the country and still be competitive.”

Mr Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion call for ‘Vocal for Local’ is perfectly timed and apt. In the recent months, the Covid-19 pandemic has created huge disruptions and pressed the reset button all over the globe. India will have to create world-class domestic brands which are competitively superior and leverage the strength of our rich traditional product base and expertise. The time has come when we not only build Indian brands but build brand India globally.”

Mr Acharya Balkrishna, MD, Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. said, “The youth of India can play an important role to end the country’s dependency on foreign goods. For the good of the country, government, industry and consumers must jointly take responsibility to stop illicit trade.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in halting economic activity across the globe. The way businesses are done will not be the same in a post COVID scenario, as this crisis has led to huge supply chain disruption. The pandemic has taught us the importance of local manufacturing, local market and local supply chain. The current situation which is already witnessing a severe socio-economic distress, sale of fake and smuggled products will only worsen the problem.

The webinar deliberated on issues that how illicit trade is not only denting government exchequer but is also threatening local industries on which, depend livelihoods of many. In the Indian context, FICCI CASCADE’s recent report estimated that 16 lacs jobs were lost in 2017-18 due to smuggling in 5 industry sectors. The pandemic has resulted in massive loss of jobs and livelihood worldwide and countries are taking extraordinary actions to respond to this crisis. Hence, curbing cross border illicit trade will play a key role in abating this looming threat.

The webinar brought together several industry players and other stakeholders to deliberate on this topical issue. CASCADE has been over the years working closely with government, enforcement officials, industry, media, and consumers to create awareness on pan-India basis about the serious adverse impact of the menace of illicit trade on the security of the country, revenue of government, health and safety of people, etc.