Hundreds of small traders in Thanh Hoa Province have occupied Bim Son Market throughout Tet in protest against a local authority decision to rent out the market to a private company.
Traders protest against market rental
Bim Son Market was established by local people long ago but was only officially built and put into use by local authorities in 1991. Since then, traders have had to pay a fee of about VND4.2-4.8million/a kiosk (USD200-230) and since 1998, they had to renew their contract of each kiosk every year for an increased fee.
The market was transferred to a private company in 2007 without informing its long-time merchants, but this was later cancelled following trader objections.
However, on December 28, 800 traders were suddenly informed at a meeting with Bim Son authorities that the market was be rebuilt and had already been rented out to the Dong Bac Trading and Construction Corporation in a 50 year contract.
Almost two weeks later, the traders received a warning that they had seven days to sign a contract with the Dong Bac Corporation, or they would be expelled from the market.
Displeased with the decisions, hundreds of traders have occupied the market throughout Tet to watch over their shops and to voice their opposition.
Pham Thi Mo, a trader at Bim Son Market, said, “We support the rebuilding of the market but they should have discussed it with us before renting out the land to Dong Bac Corporation for 50 years.”
The traders suggested that they contribute to the rebuilding of the market, in the hope that they could become co-owners, and avoid the future possibility of high rents or service charges. The authorities held another meeting with traders on January 29 but the meeting ended without agreement.
Le Van Dung, Chairman of Bim Son People’s Committee, explained, “We are moving from state-managed businesses to a privately-managed model, but people don’t want the change yet. We’re trying to convince people to accept the new managing model.”
People lived at the market through Tet
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