Kenya lacks discipline to spend within its means

After Parliament approved the plan to sell 65 percent of the government stake in Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), the deal now looks like a foregone conclusion. The National Treasury expects to raise approximately Sh100 billion from the transaction.

The language used by officials to frame the policy is telling. This is not ‘privatisation’ in the ideological sense of rolling back the frontiers of the state. Instead, it is described as ‘liability management;-a tool to raise cash, restructure the balance sheet, and contain public debt. The narrative is that Kenya is not selling assets out of conviction but out of necessity.

Reconsider Export Promotion and Investment Levy on cement, steel

As reported in the Business Daily this week, the Trade ministry has at last acknowledged the devastating impact of the 17.5 percent Export Promotion Levy on clinker and steel billet imports. This policy, in place for over two years, has severely hindered two crucial economic sectors.

Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui’s appeal to Parliament for its repeal is not merely a policy reversal; it represents a vital lifeline for thousands of jobs, a clear rejection of monopolistic cartels, and a demonstration of decisive leadership. For this, we express our profound appreciation.

Introduced in July 2023 under the guise of boosting local production, the levy was presented as a patriotic measure to foster domestic industries. However, it quickly devolved into a classic case of policy capture, where powerful interests within government and the private sector manipulated public policy to solidify their dominance. Clinker, a crucial raw material for cement, has become prohibitively expensive for cement manufacturers. This led to factories operating at a mere 60 percent capacity, resulting in a staggering 7.9 percent drop in national cement production last year alone-a loss of 763,500 tonnes (over 15 million, 50kg bags equivalent annually).

Exports to key East African markets like Uganda and Tanzania plummeted by nearly 50 percent, eroding Kenya’s competitive edge and inflating building costs.

The same 17.5 percent levy on billets and other imports stifled downstream manufacturing, drove up prices for reinforcement bars and rods, and triggered widespread job losses as mills scaled back operations.

What was touted as an ‘export promotion’ tool benefited only a select few, creating artificial scarcities and unhealthy rivalries that disadvantaged smaller players and betrayed the very industries it claimed to protect. The official statistics, while alarming, only hint at the true extent of the damage. They fail to capture the hundreds of micro, small, and medium enterprises that were utterly destroyed by this levy, particularly in the production of steel wire products like nails, barbed wire, and mesh.

The monopolistic environment it fostered forced these small operators to procure raw materials in extremely large, dollar-denominated minimum order quantities, effectively pricing them out of existence overnight.

Consider the heartbreaking example of a company in Kikuyu Constituency, where the owner had invested Sh300 million from his retirement savings and the sale of properties. Employing 300 people and contributing significantly to local livelihoods, this company was forced to shut its doors after the levy hit, leaving its workers jobless. This is just one of thousands of employees whose dreams were deferred due to misguided policy.

This was no innocent oversight. Previous occupants of the Trade docket, armed with extensive data on the levy’s destructive ripple effects, chose inaction and convenience.

The minister’s forthright admission that the levy has created an unfair market marks a refreshing departure from this pervasive malaise.

Innovative financing can unlock blue economy opportunities for MSMEs

Globally, blue economy, covering everything from fisheries and aquaculture to shipping, offshore energy, biotechnology, and coastal tourism, is valued at more than $ 1.5 trillion annually and is projected to double by 2030.

Beneath these sweeping figures, however, lies a stark truth: the bulk of activities is carried out by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). They are the fishers, processors, boat builders, seaweed farmers, and eco-tourism operators who keep local economies alive.

Yet, these enterprises struggle to secure the financing that would allow them to scale, modernise, and compete fairly in a changing economy. Traditional banks often view MSMEs as high-risk clients, especially because many operate informally, with few financial records or collateral to secure loans.

Seasonal earnings tied to fishing cycles or tourism flows do not match rigid repayment schedules. High interest rates and bureaucratic requirements end up shutting out many entrepreneurs before they even begin the loan process.

This financing drought has consequences. Without affordable credit, MSMEs cannot invest in modern storage facilities, ice plants, or processing equipment that would cut losses. They cannot adopt climate-smart practices such as solar-powered cold rooms or sustainable aquaculture techniques.

As a result, livelihoods remain precarious, post-harvest losses remain high, and unsustainable practices persist. The gap between the promise of a blue economy and the lived reality of coastal communities continues to widen. Yet, there are glimpses of what is possible when finance reaches the grassroots.

Seychelles pioneered the world’s first sovereign blue bond in 2017, raising funds to support small-scale fisheries. Belize and Cabo Verde have pioneered debt-for-nature swaps, freeing up resources for marine conservation and community enterprises. Across East Africa, digital platforms are emerging to connect fishers directly to buyers, giving them stronger bargaining power and building financial records that make them more attractive to lenders.

In West Africa, solar-powered cold storage hubs, funded through blended finance, are reducing spoilage, increasing incomes, and creating creditworthy business models.

What these examples show is that innovative financing for the blue economy is possible when systems are designed with MSMEs in mind.

Banks and investors can adapt their products to the unique rhythms of coastal businesses, offering flexible repayment schedules that align with seasons, or using community-based savings groups and warehouse receipts as alternative forms of collateral.

Development partners and governments can step in with credit guarantees and concessional financing that lower the risks for lenders, making small loans more viable.

At the same time, capacity building is essential. Many coastal MSMEs lack the bookkeeping or formal business plans that lenders require.

Training in financial literacy, support for cooperatives, and digital record-keeping tools can help small enterprises become more bankable without stripping away the resilience that comes with their community-based structures. Investing in shared infrastructure, such as cold storage hubs and processing facilities, could also help reduce risks and attract financing.

Beyond financing instruments, enabling ecosystems are vital. Governments can strengthen policy frameworks that prioritise MSMEs, while impact investors and blended finance vehicles can design products that balance risk with sustainability outcomes.

Technology such as mobile money, blockchain traceability, and digital marketplaces can improve transparency and build credit histories, while better data on MSMEs’ contributions will make their value more visible to financiers.

Crucially, financing must also be inclusive, ensuring that women, the youth, and indigenous communities, often at the heart of coastal economies, gain equal access to opportunities in the blue economy.

The blue economy is already a reality, but it remains fragile under pressure from overfishing, climate change, and rising sea levels.

Expanding access to finance for MSMEs delivers a dual benefit: more resilient livelihoods and healthier ecosystems. Targeted investments in fisher cooperatives, women-led seaweed enterprises, and sustainable aquaculture creates ripple effects that strengthen communities, safeguard marine resources, and build a more resilient global economy. Policymakers and financiers have a choice to make. They can continue to overlook MSMEs in favour of large-scale projects, or they can recognise that the future of blue economy rests on small enterprises.

They may be modest in size, but their collective impact is vast. With the right financing, MSMEs can truly anchor the blue economy ensuring that the ocean remains a source of wealth, culture, and opportunity for generations to come.

Calls for 24-hour Sadao checkpoint

The number of arrivals and revenue from the Malaysian tourism market can increase by 20-30% if bribery at the border is resolved and the new government extends the operating hours of border checkpoints, according to Hat Yai tourism operators.

To enhance the economy, the cabinet on Tuesday proposed extending the opening hours at Thailand-Malaysia border checkpoints in response to a request from the tourism and sports minister.

Songchai Mungprasitthichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said the move should ease congestion at the border, particularly at the Sadao checkpoint.

He said during Malaysia’s national holiday last month, tourist cars and buses faced queues of 3-4 hours to pass through the Sadao checkpoint when entering and leaving Thailand.

As the checkpoint closed around midnight, hundreds of Malaysian tourists were unable to return in time and had to stay in hotels or sleep in their cars.

This situation created an opportunity for some border officials to extort 500-1,000 baht per car from Malaysian tourists who wanted to cross during closing hours, said Mr Songchai.

If the opening hours were extended, this leverage for bribery would be eliminated, he said.

Mr Songchai said the government should consider opening the Sadao checkpoint 24 hours a day, similar to the Malaysia-Singapore border.

The government could implement a six-month trial period for all Thailand-Malaysia checkpoints, he said.

A 24-hour operation should ease late-night traffic congestion and allow tourists to plan their trips more flexibly.

There are roughly 4,000-5,000 Malaysian arrivals daily on weekdays via the Sadao checkpoint, and 20,000 on weekends and holidays.

The number could increase by 20-30% if the opening hours were extended, he said.

Regarding concerns over increased security breaches and drug trafficking from extended border hours, Mr Songchai said the government should deploy more officers to patrol the area.

Suspicious vehicles involved in drug trafficking are often trucks, not tourist buses, and can be targeted with stricter inspection measures, he said.

According to the Tourism Ministry, during the first eight months, Songkhla welcomed over 5 million Thai and foreign visitors, a 0.67% year-on-year decrease, generating 35.2 billion baht in revenue.

As of Sept 28, Thailand had welcomed over 23.9 million foreign tourists, a 7.52% year-on-year drop.

Malaysia was the largest inbound market with 3.46 million arrivals, surpassing China, which recorded 3.38 million arrivals.

Mr Songchai said the tourism outlook for Hat Yai and Songkhla in the fourth quarter should remain on par with last year.

He said the government’s “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme should at least help stimulate sluggish domestic spending in the coming months.

Thai Firms Tap Hong Kong for Cross-Border Expansion

As Thai businesses look to scale beyond borders, the question is no longer if they should go global – but where to begin. In today’s competitive landscape, choosing the right launchpad can make all the difference. More and more Thai founders are turning to Hong Kong – not just as a market, but as a launchpad for regional and worldwide success.

A Destination Thai Companies Are Already Choosing

This isn’t just a theory – it’s already happening. This is illustrated by brands such as RAVIPA, a Thai jewellery brand known for its celebrity endorsements by figures like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jackson Wang, opened its second store in the city within a six-month period to tap into the Hong Kong’s international retail scene. Similarly, PAÑPURI has debuted its Thai luxury wellness concept in a prominent Hong Kong shopping mall and plans to further expand with two new locations in 2026, entering both prestigious department store and vibrant street-level site in Hong Kong. Alongside PAÑPURI, Big C is also bringing beloved Thai products to overseas consumers. These brands are already tapping into Hong Kong not just as a market, but as a strategic base to access consumers across Greater China and beyond.

What makes Hong Kong so attractive isn’t just its location. It’s the ease of doing business, the access to capital, and the international infrastructure that supports fast growth. Entrepreneurs can set up quickly, maintain full ownership, and benefit from one of Asia’s most efficient tax systems. With a robust legal framework and a deep pool of professional services, Hong Kong offers a solid foundation for scaling a business.

Where Culture, Capital and Connectivity Intersect

Hong Kong isn’t just business-friendly – it’s culturally familiar. The ties between the two places run deep, from tourism and food festivals to wellness and lifestyle trends. Thai brands already feel at home in the city, and local consumers are receptive to Thai products, culture, and design. This cultural connection reduces the learning curve and helps Thai businesses connect with customers more naturally and quickly.

On the capital side, Hong Kong offers one of the world’s most sophisticated financial markets – with access to funding, banking, and professional services that are essential for scaling internationally. The strength of economic ties between the two economies is clear: bilateral trade between Thailand and Hong Kong reached USD 20 billion in 2024, reflecting robust demand and growing cooperation across industries.

And when it comes to connectivity, few cities offer the same level of infrastructure – from integrated logistics and transport to high-speed data networks and IP protection – all within a highly efficient, English-friendly environment.

Support for Thai Entrepreneurs on the Ground

Expanding internationally can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Invest Hong Kong’s Bangkok office provides personalised, on-the-ground support to help Thai entrepreneurs enter the Hong Kong market with confidence. From business setup and licensing to partner introductions and access to international capital markets, their team is ready to guide you through every step of the journey.

A Launchpad for Global Dreams

As Thai enterprises seek new markets and regional growth opportunities, Hong Kong continues to stand out as a strategic and accessible destination. For many, it represents not just a gateway to Greater China, but a practical first step toward broader international engagement.

Thailand gets top nod in child labour fight

Thailand has achieved its highest-ever international ranking in efforts to combat the worst forms of child labour, earning a ‘Significant Advancement’ rating in the US Department of Labor’s 2024 report.

Labour Minister Trinuch Thianthong on Thursday attributed the success to coordinated efforts across government, the private sector and civil society.

According to the 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, Thailand was assessed at the ‘Significant Advancement’ level, marking the first time since 2017 that the country has moved up from a moderate to the top tier.

Key measures include Ministerial Regulation No.15 enforced in 2024, which extends labour protections to household domestic workers and prohibits employing children younger than 15 in domestic work, in alignment with international standards, she said.

Additionally, government initiatives have granted citizenship to 477,000 stateless individuals, including 142,000 children, thereby expanding access to education and economic protections and reducing their vulnerability to exploitative work.

Ms Trinuch said the recognition represents only the first step toward sustainable, safe, and fair labour management.

‘It ensures quality of life for all workers and enables Thai children and youth to grow safely and contribute to the country’s long-term development,’ she added.

Thailand is the sole Asean country among nine nations, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro and Panama, to reach the top rating in the 2024 TDA Report, she noted.

Saroj Komkay, director-general of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, said the report assesses 131 countries worldwide under the US Trade and Development Act (TDA), encouraging action against child labour, including commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Thailand conducted inspections of formal and informal sectors, targeting 115 high-risk industries, including agriculture, fisheries and textiles, many of which appear on the US List of Goods Produced with Child Labour, Forced Labour, and Forced Child Labour.

Ethereum set to take centre stage in Q4

Ethereum is poised to overtake Bitcoin as the trendy digital asset in the fourth quarter, supported by strong inflows into Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and rising adoption among private companies, says digital asset fund manager Orbix Invest.

Orbix Invest, a licensed fund manager regulated by the Finance Ministry and the Securities and Exchange Commission, said Ethereum is emerging as the market driver in place of Bitcoin, which has long dominated the crypto space.

“Investment flows into Ethereum ETFs remain strong, while those for Bitcoin have begun to slow. Corporations are increasingly adding Ethereum to their balance sheets, treating it as an alternative store of value similar to gold or the US dollar in the past,” said managing director Tanapoom Damraks.

According to Mr Tanapoom, Ethereum is finding broader applications across the digital economy. The cryptocurrency underpins decentralised finance (DeFi), online payment systems, and the tokenisation of real-world assets such as bonds and property, developments that make the assets easier to trade and invest in digitally.

Under favourable economic conditions and sustained capital inflows, the firm estimated Ethereum’s price could climb to US$6,000-8,000 by year-end. However, investors must monitor global macroeconomic factors, particularly US interest rates, inflation and market liquidity, as these “directly influence demand for risk assets”, he said.

For investment strategies, Orbix recommends balancing return opportunities with risk management by diversifying into utility-driven altcoins, especially those linked to DeFi and institutional-grade infrastructure.

“Ethereum continues to enjoy structural support, but Bitcoin remains essential as the primary digital asset and a benchmark for market liquidity,” Mr Tanapoom noted. “A balanced allocation across both assets is critical for long-term portfolio stability.”

Looking forward, Orbix anticipates digital assets are entering a “structural adoption phase” driven by three forces, with the first the growth of stablecoins and tokenised real-world assets.

Second, clearer regulations are being introduced, including the proposed US Stablecoins Act, which could boost institutional confidence. The final driver is rapid technological progress, including Ethereum Layer 2 solutions and Solana blockchain, which lowers costs and improves scalability.

“These trends signal a new era for digital assets where Ethereum could stand at the centre of a rapidly evolving financial system,” he said.

Making Cambodia pay for border row

What I am covering today is a sensitive issue that all economic research houses, both government and private, avoid talking about. That is the economic impact of the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

These research houses widely analysed the impact of Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on Thai exports and GDP, but chose to be mute on the Thai-Cambodia trade impact.

Surely, readers understand why the issue is sensitive. Because it involves national sovereignty and pride. Whoever dares criticise the issue would immediately be accused of treachery. Therefore, no Thai economists will mention that the trade surplus with Cambodia is about 1.5% of GDP or about 280 billion baht. Loosing such a surplus, Thai GDP growth could be 1.5% lower.

The closure of the border has already taken its toll. Thai exports to Cambodia (in value) dropped 26.6% in July and 28.5% in August, while imports from Cambodia were more than 50% lower.

Those who argue that only big businesses are suffering from the trade loss forget the fact that big businesses employ workers to produce products and source supplies and services from SMEs. No one can escape the economic impact.

The less than 30% drop in export volume, despite the closure of borders starting at the end of June, clearly indicates that the closure order is only partially effective in stopping trade flow. This raises the question as to whether there is a more effective means.

Readers might think that I must suggest reopening the borders to allow the free flow of goods as economic well-being is more important than sovereignty. Wrong. If Thailand has to lose 1.5% of GDP, so be it. I’m as patriotic as the next Thai, but I want a more effective means to retaliate against Cambodian aggression.

May I suggest an option to keep our trade surplus and have Cambodians learn expensive lessons for meddling with Thai sovereignty? This option is to tax both the import of goods from Cambodia and exports to Cambodia.

A 19% tariff should be imposed on imports from Cambodia and a 5% tariff should be imposed for exports. I will use the 2024 figures as the basis for an explanation. Please do not be quick to think that imposing import and export taxes is not possible under the Asean Free Trade Agreement. Remember, if there is a will, there is a way.

The loophole is that these 19% and 5% charges are not import and export taxes. Instead, they are fees for import/export permits. Those who want to import from and export to Cambodia must obtain special permits. The fee for the permit would be 19% of import value and 5% of export value. I would think requiring fees for permits do not violate free trade rules.

Another loophole is the “special VAT” on goods to and from Cambodia. Indonesia has two VAT rates — one for the import of luxury good and one for import of non-luxury goods. I trust that the new finance minister is smart enough to find a suitable solution to taxing Cambodia without violation Asean trade rules.

Why the 19% and 5% rates? Well, 19% is the same as Mr Trump’s reciprocal tariff on Cambodian exports to the US. If Cambodia has no problem paying 19% to Mr Trump, they should have no problem paying 19% on their exports to Thailand.

Based on 2024 trade data, our exports to Cambodia are 7.5 times larger than our imports, which is the reason for the large trade surplus with that country. Therefore, it is in our interests to keep this export flow high. The imposed 5% rate should be small enough to keep our products competitive in the Cambodian market but big enough to remind Cambodian consumers there is a price to pay if their government continues the border dispute with Thailand.

The fun part is the income from the export/import permit fees.

Again, based on 2024 figures, a 19% charge on Cambodian imports is about 8.2 billion baht and a 5% charge on exports to Cambodia is 16.2 billion baht. May I suggest that the 8.2 billion baht be used exclusively to build a permanent border fence? They caused the dispute and they can pay us to build that expensive fence.

It is estimated that the cost of building a permanent fence along the 800-kilometre border is 12 billion baht. The Thai government might not have enough for the job. This is the perfect source of funding. Construction work could start as soon as Thailand starts collecting import permit fees.

The 16.2 billion baht in export permit fees can be used to better the welfare of affected Thai citizens living along the border, such as rebuilding schools, repairing roads, and upgrading hospitals. Also, the funds can be used to boost the morale of the soldiers protecting our land.

Another advantage to reopening the border with fees is that Thailand Plus One, the regional supply chain programme, can work again. Companies in the programme would not only be able to secure necessary supplies from Cambodia, but also might be able to get a rebate on import permit fees. This will keep their costs unchanged. The Plus One programme is beneficial to the Thai economy as final products would be assembled in Thailand.

Cambodia would not like these permit fees, especially the fact the money will be utilised to build the fence to prevent them from encroaching on Thai soil. But what choice do they have?

They would have to find new markets to replace 48.5 billion baht of exports to Thailand. If they cannot, regardless of what their leaders say, the people of Cambodia will suffer.

Trying to replace Thai imports to save the 5% permit fee might prove to be counter-productive. Thai exporters can easily bear the burden of the price hike to maintain their market share in Cambodia. I think the quality of Thai products and business ties would override the incentives to find new suppliers.

The decision is then with Thailand. It is a great feeling to be in control of the game.

The first option is to keep the border closed and risk losing the 1.5% of GDP trade surplus. It is not an effective means to control product flow as 70% of Thai exports still leak into Cambodia and 50% of Cambodian products still reach the Thai market.

By the way, the 1.5% of GDP trade surplus is equivalent to more than 1 million jobs.

The second option is reopening the borders and collecting permit fees. The plus is that Thailand would have a free wall to prevent Cambodia bothering us for years to come, not to mention better welfare for affected citizens and soldiers serving our country.

My suggestions might not be to everyone’s liking. Please give them a thought. It is always nice to have options.

Sukhothai bags coveted Green Award

Sukhothai’s Old Town has been awarded the Green Destinations Gold Award 2025 at the Green Destinations international event in France.

The event has been held from Sept 28 to Oct 2 in Montpellier. The recognition makes Sukhothai the second Thai site to receive the award, following Nan Old Town’s award last year, said Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, director of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta).

“This success shows how sustainable tourism can protect heritage and strengthen local communities,” he said. Since 2019, Sukhothai has applied the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria in its management, Mr Siripakorn said, adding the Green Destinations panel highlighted excellence in four areas: culture and tradition, social well-being, destination management, and business communication. Sukhothai scored a perfect 10 in culture and tradition, reflecting its Unesco World Heritage status and its role in sustaining local livelihoods.

Thailand also celebrated 10 listings in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories Awards 2025. The 10 awardees are Chakngeaw Chinese Village in Chon Buri; Chiang Khan community in Loei; Koh Chang in Trat; Koh Lanta in Krabi; Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan; Nan Old Town; Na Kluea community in Chon Buri; Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai; Tha Chai-Si Satchanalai in Sukhothai; and Uthai Thani Old Town.

Neramit Songsaeng, chief of Mu Koh Chang National Park, said the recognition would boost interest in the island’s biodiversity and natural heritage. “Preparing for almost two years to achieve this recognition has been worthwhile. Our next goal is to compete for a Gold Award,” he said. Acting Sub Lt Korakot Opas, Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Trat office director, added Koh Chang’s listing would elevate the province’s image.

Waste scheme falters

Public confusion and registration system glitches beset the launch of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s “No Mixed Waste” programme that took effect yesterday.

While the programme, which aims to cut back city waste through new collection fees, is noble, the blunder suggests the BMA is not doing enough.

Under the programme, city dwellers or those producing less than 20 litres of garbage a day, are required to follow waste collection guidelines, registering through the “BKK Waste Pay” app.

They must prove that they are sorting garbage as required in exchange for a monthly collection fee discount: 20 baht or two-thirds less from the new 60-baht fee. BMA has also introduced a tiered fee structure for restaurants and shopping malls.

City residents who do not participate, however, will have to pay the full fee. They cannot reapply for the lower rate after six months.

Every six months, each household has to prove they are still sorting waste as recommended to remain eligible for the programme.

Apparently, the programme has met a lukewarm response from city residents. Some 230,000 households registered with the system as of Sept 4, which is a disappointing figure given the city’s population.

There were reports that at least one district in Thon Buri experienced an online registration system crash on Sept 30, just one day before the programme launch.

Phasi Charoen district office said it required two days to fix the system, which astounded residents. After all, it’s not their fault that they couldn’t register for the scheme in time.

The BMA FB page put up a poster reminding people of the programme on Sept 30 but netizens asking questions were left unanswered.

More importantly, some city residents still have no clue what to do after they separate the waste into four types recommended (food waste, recyclable waste, e-waste, and general waste).

They cannot distinguish among various types of recyclable waste, or types of waste which are hard to recycle, known as “orphan waste”. Some are unsure if they have to acquire colour-coded bins.

Needless to say, the BMA needs to improve its PR campaign for such a programme to be a success.

The programme is indeed noble given the objective of reducing waste in a city that creates an enormous amount of it, more than 12.7 tonnes per day as of 2023. It just requires improvement in terms of the practical measures.

The BMA and its district offices need to include communities more, with regard to waste collection spots for each type of waste.

It should consider providing incentives for community groups or members who pitch in with waste collection efforts.

With regard to e-waste, it’s apparent few residents are aware of its impact on health and the environment, if it is not properly treated. Although the BMA has said it would designate collection spots for this type of waste, they are not to be found anywhere so far. Some department stores and education outlets have provided special bins for this type of waste in the past but on a tiny scale.

Waste management is more than trash collecting: it is about good management and collaboration. The BMA, rather than doing it alone, has to seek partners to help it in this uphill task.