Just leave the street vendors alone!

Source: CRI | 03-12-2009 13:39

Governments at all levels in China have been called upon to do their utmost to ensure sound economic growth and employment amid the global economic slowdown.

An article in the Shanghai Daily suggests that sometimes inaction can help too.

It cites street vendors that are considered problem in many cities.

The article says most unlicensed small vendors in big cities have to watch out for the chengguan, or urban management teams, while going about their daily business.

These vendors are usually among the most needy, and thus vulnerable, segment of the society.

It says the major concern over street vendors is sanitation.

But such problems can be effectively solved if the vendors are assigned fixed locations to settle down, without the fear of needing to flee from chengguan.

The article suggests local governments do a salutary service by loosening controls over street vendors. The writer notes it can also help authorities tackle the worsening unemployment problem.

(by Tu Yun)

Editor:Zhang Ning