The Chinese magic

By G. Krishna Kumar

KOCHI, MAY 7. China is in. The slogan, `China go back', of the past gives way to a whole-hearted welcome to China. And the new slogan may very well be `India-China bhai bhai'. The invaders this time are not the Chinese army, but Chinese goods ranging from toys and alarm clocks to leather goods.

A section of the traders says that the news was just a hype created amid the changing liberalisation in the import policies of the Centre. Only the news has spread, but the items are yet to come, says another group.

Even as the rumour mills work overtime to discard the possible threat to local markets, a few traders are doing brisk business on the footpath on M.G. Road and `Made in China' is their new mantra for gaining public attention.

Toys ranging from moving trains to pistols, leather goods including various types of bags, electronic goods like energy saver lamps and watches - the Chinese showcase has many and more to offer to the curious visitor. The eagerness to have a close look at the much-heard, but delayed arrival of Chinese goods is prompting the passerby to stop and take a close look at the items.

The common man who has doubts over the authenticity of the goods throws a question to the trader. ``We heard that the ships carrying Chinese goods have not yet reached the Cochin port. How can we really know that these are Chinese?

The ships may have not arrived here. But they have already reached Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata. The items exhibited here were transported from these places. Moreover, they are marked with the `Made in China' label, traders say. However, there is much of scrutiny before anyone makes a purchase.

News that 100 cc motorbikes, luxury cars and other major automobile and electronic goods will sweep the local market is doing the rounds. Chinese price tags remain a major hit with the new goods.

A running train model with tracks costs Rs. 100, while a doll is priced between Rs. 150 and Rs. 250. Leather bags are available at a minimum price of Rs. 100 and a maximum of Rs. 250. Alarm clocks and energy saver lamps are priced at Rs. 50.

The same type of local items, when purchased from a shop, will cost around Rs. 350. There exists a huge price difference between local and Chinese goods, especially as far as electronic items are concerned, says a trader.

Members of the public hover around, analysing and asking whether the goods come with any guarantee. The toys are being sold off like hot cakes along with low-priced electronic items like torches and energy lamps. Bargaining is also accepted and the traders hope to keep up the tempo and excitement of the hype about foreign goods.

They are working hard to counter the rumour that Chinese goods are yet to arrive at the Kochi port. For what they believe, the toys, electronic goods and leather items are just the beginning of the Chinese deluge.

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