Smuggling: The Main Headache of Yemeni Economy [Archives:1999/26/Business & Economy]

Under the emblem of “Be patriotic and fight smuggling!” the Yemeni Society for Consumer protection (YSCP) held the first national seminar on smuggling last week.
This seminar came as part of the continuing battle against smuggling in our society. The Society is working to find solutions for the problems from which our country suffers, such as smuggling. Smuggling is dangerous to the national economy as well as the consumer’s health.
Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Maktari lawyer and legal supervisor of the society said: “Until now we have not built the infrastructure of the society, and this seminar is part of the society activities which aim at building an information base explaining the negative effects of smuggling. It will be beneficial in implementing the right policies and in combating this phenomenon that is so harmful our economy.” He also added that the society is tying to establish relations with all the private consumer protection societies in the Arab world, so as to make use of their experiences in this field.
Mr. Ahmed Al-Dailami discussed the different types of smuggled cars, electrical devices, textiles and Alcohol in his paper. He indicated that there are around 200 groups of smugglers in the country.
Another paper was presented by Mr. Abdul Rahman Zabarah, in which he discussed the various smuggled foodstuffs and their negative effects. It also focused on the role of the health environment in cooperation with the Ministry of Construction and Housing in combating smuggling through direct monitoring of the goods in the market.
The Customs Authority presented a paper in which it explained the reasons for the spread of smuggling. It has also called for the cooperation of the media in raising the public awareness towards the detriments of smuggling.
Dr. Ali Al-Noumani presented a paper about smuggled medicines and their hazards. He has explained the reasons for this phenomenon, which has similar reasons to those for smuggling other goods. If government establishments can not provide the required quantities of medicine, then other agents will provide them by illicit means. Mr. Al-Habib Kirrfal, an expert in the International Organization for Consumers protection and the head of the Arab Consumer protection Union, said that all the papers that were presented in this seminar were good, and presented some clues to the problems resulting from smuggling. Mr. Kirrfal suggested the following:
1: There should be branches for this society so that it could spread fast in many parts the country.
2: Establish a Magazine and a cooperation with the various mass media that can keep the consumer aware of all smuggled products.
3: Concentrating on examining the products that are used daily, so that the consumer will be satisfied by the things that he can get legally.
4: The government and the parliament should also implement necessary constitution measures for either the market or the consumer and set some standard specifications.
Recommendations:
By the end of the workshop the participants agreed on the following recommendations:
First: In the field of laws and constitutions:
1: Accelerate the issuance of the laws that will be recommended, and institute quality control agencies.
2: Passing a law concerned with protecting consumers.
3: Enforcing the present laws, and adjusting them whenever necessary.
Second : The role of the concerned bodies
1: Emphasizing more cooperation between the interior and defense ministries.
2: Establishing a unit concerned with combating smuggling.
Third: The Ministry of justice should specify independent courts for smuggling.
Four: Health and Agriculture
1: Both Ministries of Health and Agriculture should be active at all the customs check points.
2: Licenses should be given to importers only after the agreement of the ministry.
Five: Supply and Trade
1: Improve the monitoring on supply for the benefit of the consumer.
Six: Housing and Urban Planing
1: The general administration office should perform its role according to the constitutional amendment number 38 for the year 1992, regarding the regulation and organizing of imports.
Seven: Activating the role of Non-Governmental organizations in this regard.
By : Ahlam Al-Khawlani
Yaser Mohammed Ahmed

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