Firms oppose low-cost fairs

They claim the government does not have a coherent policy to help consumers cope with the sharp rise in the cost of living.

The Commerce Ministry has previously launched projects under its Blue Flag scheme to sell products at 20 to 40 per cent below normal prices. The Finance Ministry is to introduce a trade fair to help people on low incomes and also provide coupons or "top-up cards" to help them buy food cheaply. The Industry Ministry is to also hold a fair offering low-price goods at up to a 70-per-cent discount.

A private-enterprise source said manufacturers were confused over the government's policy to reduce consumer prices.

"Such a policy is interfering with the market mechanism. Companies must take part in the trade fairs despite the fact that they have to cope with rising costs of raw materials. Government departments should cooperate in setting up a fair to help consumers, rather than compete with each other to gain popularity," the source said.

Despite criticism of the Commerce Ministry's attempt to alleviate the higher cost of living, it is to set up a one-price-shop project and has asked for cooperation from the Sahapat Group.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has cancelled the mid-year Otop City fair due mainly to a lack of financial support.