Page 235 - 8 Persian Trade rep Muscat 2_Neat

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Export figures tor goods liomc in these two forms British goods (with the exception of gramophone*,
of transport were Its. 14,93,800 and Rs. 3,87,120 alcoholic liquors and provisions) arc relegated
respectively. to the background primarily because of their exhor-
.Yew /ton s and Channels of Trade.—No new items bitant cost and secondly because no manufacturer
of trade sere developed during the year and no ucv attempts either to study local conditions, tastes or
channels explored. requirements and to adapt his wares accordingly.
—Foreign ComjKtition.—The chief and victorious With the notable exception of Messrs. Dakin Bros,
rV.ipctitor in the field of trade in piece-goods ihis (wholesale druggists and surgical instrument makers)
year has !*ccn Japan. Reference to last year’s no British firm has for a considerable number of
figures will show that the value of Indian imports years (if ever) thought it worth while to send a re­
in cotton goods alone amounted to 1,72,966 presentative to these parts to study conditions and
and that of “ other countries ” (including Japan) to to advertise their products.
Rs. 3,59,013. This year Japan heads the- list in tie The advent of travellers on the part of^ British
importation of piece-goods with a total of Rs. 3,62,579 concerns to study problems in situ and to take hints
whilst Iniia is a poor .second with Rs. 1,17,674. for the adoption of their produce to suit local tastes
The total value of piece-goods imported during and requirements should do much to further British
tie year from various countries is as follows:— interests.
Attractive and suitable advertisements in local
Ra. languages to 11 catch the eye ” the adoption of
Japan . . 3.02..77f>
India 1,17,674 original, if dazzling, wrappers and boxes in which
l"n:t«*2 Kingdom iH.lflO goods for sale arc packed, arc all methods by which
Other countries 21,260 the hist footing can be regained. It is however
impossible to hope for any revival in the demand
•*•.221.7(13
for British goods, superior as they may !»., till a
substantial reduction in sale prices is effected. The
This signal success in their trade enterprises in local inhabitant docs not require a vest to last
the Muscat marker is very largely due to the assiduous him three years, or a cloth that will carry him to
study by the Japanese not only of the trade situation the grave. He requires a cheap, serviceable article
and local requirements, but of the condition and that will carry him from one mouth’s pay day till
tastes of the people to whom they hoped to commend the next hut one. If only for diversity, he would
their goods. Bv tie despatch to Muscat of a com­ prefer to have three cheap articles to one that will
mercial ag^nt to enquire on the spot into ^uch matters last him longer but of which he will tire from con­
the Japanese efforts have been crowned with a striking stant use and which in any case is beyond his actual
success which will undoubtedly still further manifest pre.-ent resources.
itself next year. The Indian manufacturer has realised this, but,
Throughout the bazaars of Muscat and Mat rah in spite of reducing the sale pric*2 of commodities,
Japanese goods are everywhere in evidence. he has not yet been enabled to effect a sufficient
Artificial silk, cotton piece-goods, shoe.s, crockery, reduction to compete with Japanese goods. The
glass, toys, haberdashery, cigarettes aad matches, endeavour however is there.
all of Japanese make, predominate, whilst the con­ Overtrading.—Over-trading has not been notice­
siderable local demand for a cheap cement gives rise able with the exception perhaps of alcoholic liquors.
to the certainty that this will figure largely in the The chief licensed importer has been forced by the
list of Japanese imports for 1934-35. terms of his contracts with certain European ex­
In conrra-distinction to this Japanese achieve­ porters to import more than his requirements, the
ment, attention is invited to the decline in imports latter having from various causes considerably
of piece-goods from the United Kingdom, which las fallen off.
fallen h value from Rs. 1,38,515 in 1931-32, Commercial Morality.—Commercial morality
Rs. 43,765 in 1932-33 to Rs. 28.180 in 1933-34. The generally speaking is good.
main rcxs«jns for this will be discussed under a ssb-
fcquent heading. (B) Financial.
Genu in (import) trade efforts are chiefly directed Beady money.—Mon^y has been slightly easier
toward* hardware, toilet requisites, perfumery and during the year due to more settled conditions
cheap 4‘ Whisky " and brandy. There is not however prevailing in India but export merchants have been
a great demand for these commodities, the latter hit considerably by the fall in price of fish products
two of which only appeal to certain elements whose and the cheaper form of date exported to India and
consciences and physical strength of constitution further east.
permit of them drinking these poisonous concoctions. Bankruptcy.—Seven cases of insolvency were
Suggestions for meeting competition.—The present filed during the year under review. Most of these
success of the Japanese efforts is attributable to the were due to a combination of failure to realize debts
cheapness of their goods, their acumen and business from others and a slackening of the trade indulged
endeavour. in.