In Defence of Chinese

FOR some time since the arrival of the Chinese business community in Namibia, certain sections of the population have complained about that presence and their growing numbers.

They point to the impact on local business their potential for growth, and the fact the the number of Chinese nationals is increasing. Disparaging and unkind comments have been levelled both at the Chinese community, and the Government for allowing such a situation to develop.But there is also an up side and something good to be taken from this scenario.Chinese peoples the world over display the kind of work ethic that is largely absent in local communities, particularly our own, they are not a significant drain on national resources, they do not rely on social security when the going gets tough, and they do make a noticeable contribution to our national economy, despite repatriating funds to family and friends in other places.We would do exactly the same in similar situations, and we do.Ask any Namibian working in London, Paris or New York!! One very noticeable observation is the fact that they provide goods at a substantially lower price to the consumer than our traditional commercial sector does.The quality, admittedly, is not always equal to what is available at corporate South African chain stores, but given the prices charged it is of no consequence.People at the lower end of the income scale can afford to acquire cheaper goods even if their lifespan is somewhat diminished.With significantly lower prices, replacement becomes a non-issue.There is no reason why people at the bottom end of the scale should be compelled to pay what is applicable to the middle and upper income groups, and as such the Chinese community is making a contribution, and we should stop viewing them as a threat, and with suspicion.There are Chinatowns all over the world from San Francisco to Havanna and we should welcome them just as we welcome our German, French and British friends.The fact that China extended a hand of friendship during the Liberation Struggle is a known fact, and having them in Namibia under a Constitution that permits foreigners to invest in our economy, should not only be viewed as returning a favour, though there is nothing intrinsically wrong with such a gesture, but as an aspect of the global village phenomenon.And what if the local commercial sector has reason to be concerned? They might just learn a few tricks from a culture that is thousands of years old and that knows a thing or two, particularly about the work ethic!John Sampson WindhoekDisparaging and unkind comments have been levelled both at the Chinese community, and the Government for allowing such a situation to develop.But there is also an up side and something good to be taken from this scenario.Chinese peoples the world over display the kind of work ethic that is largely absent in local communities, particularly our own, they are not a significant drain on national resources, they do not rely on social security when the going gets tough, and they do make a noticeable contribution to our national economy, despite repatriating funds to family and friends in other places.We would do exactly the same in similar situations, and we do.Ask any Namibian working in London, Paris or New York!! One very noticeable observation is the fact that they provide goods at a substantially lower price to the consumer than our traditional commercial sector does.The quality, admittedly, is not always equal to what is available at corporate South African chain stores, but given the prices charged it is of no consequence.People at the lower end of the income scale can afford to acquire cheaper goods even if their lifespan is somewhat diminished.With significantly lower prices, replacement becomes a non-issue.There is no reason why people at the bottom end of the scale should be compelled to pay what is applicable to the middle and upper income groups, and as such the Chinese community is making a contribution, and we should stop viewing them as a threat, and with suspicion.There are Chinatowns all over the world from San Francisco to Havanna and we should welcome them just as we welcome our German, French and British friends.The fact that China extended a hand of friendship during the Liberation Struggle is a known fact, and having them in Namibia under a Constitution that permits foreigners to invest in our economy, should not only be viewed as returning a favour, though there is nothing intrinsically wrong with such a gesture, but as an aspect of the global village phenomenon.And what if the local commercial sector has reason to be concerned? They might just learn a few tricks from a culture that is thousands of years old and that knows a thing or two, particularly about the work ethic!John Sampson Windhoek