Illegal parallel markets face shutdown as National Wholesale Market gains ground

Despite the National Wholesale Market’s aim to be the sole site for auctioning goods in Mauritius, it appears that numerous parallel markets selling wholesale goods are continuing to operate illegally.

The Cabinet’s recent decision to draft amendments to the Mauritius Agricultural Marketing Act to eradicate wholesale auctions in markets and fairs is expected to face criticism from the Opposition Leader Xavier-Luc Duval.

The new law is facing a backlash as it imposes imprisonment threats and fines of up to Rs 100,000 on those who violate the law.

Duval argued that imposing the law and forcing the growers to wholesale their vegetables in Wooton will rob them of their freedom.

“The solution is to establish four regional markets throughout the country,” he said.

Source: l’Express