Presenting the draft Wholesale Distribution System Policy at a consultation meeting recently, the Department of Trade proposed to strengthen the distribution system of construction materials and other goods in the country. This will rationalize the import of construction materials, grocery and other essential items.
Today the business community, irrespective of the licences they hold, are allowed to go across the border, source their products and distribute them to the consumers and retailers.
“The proposal that we have on the table is that if you adopt this particular policy, we would be allowing only those who have the dealership or wholesale license to import that particular brand or products from the principle company. The reason for this is that it will not only benefit the consumers but also the economy,” said Rinchen Lhazom, the Officiating Director-General of the trade department.
Likewise, the policy is also expected to help businesses import genuine products and strengthen the refund policy.
The business community members also raised issues and concerns on the supply shortage of petroleum, oil and lubricants.
“I would say this policy would go well because there are a lot of people who do not understand the policy. After attending this meeting, we understood the procedures and policies clearly. I am in the PoL section and in terms of fuel, people have an issue with the quantity and quality,” said Phurba Dorji, the in-charge of Damchen Petroleum in Punakha.
“Gas shortage issue was raised here in the meeting. So, we understood about how to develop and switch on to other alternatives such as biogas and MiyoeThab, the local electric cooker, to address such problems in the future,” said Tshering Bidha, the Manager of Damchen Petroleum in Wangdue Phodrang.
The department of trade will put up the policy for endorsement to the Economic Affairs Ministry after two consultation meetings.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
