Considering the several unconfirmed allegations that China deliberately let novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread across the world, many shopkeepers and customers here have decided to boycott Chinese products after the lockdown ends in the State. Though the allegations are yet to be proved correct, they have influenced public opinion regarding Chinese products.
Ram Singh Kohli, a toy and gift store owner in Rajpur said, “More than 40 per cent of the gifts and toys are generally imported from China because the made in India products are costlier and the customers prefer cheaper products.
But considering China’s dubious role in the pandemic and its negative impact on the economy of several countries, I am not going to import any Chinese products.” After the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no point in buying Chinese products because the scare of the spread of the virus will remain for at least the next two years whether China is responsible for it or not, said the owner of a cosmetic store Ritu Sharma.
Many local customers have also emphasised on not purchasing Chinese products after the lockdown. Karnpur resident Ruchika Bhalla said that all the claims of China being responsible for the spread of COVID-19 appears true so the countries should not help their economy by buying Chinese products.
“I have always preferred to buy made in India products but now is the high time when everyone should stop buying any Chinese products, especially during the festivals like Diwali and Holi.
Everyone should buy Indian products and contribute to making our economy strong," added Bhalla. However, some shopkeepers and locals opined that people do not care about China or Indian products once they see the price. "Some people might claim currently that they will not buy Chinese products anymore but generally the customers prefer inexpensive products no matter where those are manufactured," said an E C Road shopkeeper Sanam Ali.