Protectionism shifts attention from real issues

Using the new tools, the claims for lower duty rates for imports under trade agreements may be put to greater scrutiny

In recent weeks, the government has restricted imports of colour television sets, pneumatic tyres, and power tillers. These can now be imported only against import licences. More items may be brought under import licensing in the coming weeks. The idea is to protect the domestic manufacturers from competition and hope they will make these goods to meet domestic demand and thereby enhance economic activity in the country and create more jobs. 

The government suspects that many goods of Chinese origin find their way into the country through other countries in East Asia with which we have trade agreements. So, the government