Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has warned that dishonest enterprises are manipulating the market by forming cartels and undercutting prices to drive small businesses into ruin. "These actions are destroying fair competition and must be punished," he said. He also called for strict measures against businesses that exploit consumers and evade taxes and VAT. The adviser pointed out that like many institutions, the Competition Commission was also rendered ineffective, limiting its impact on consumers. On a positive note, he mentioned that recent policy reforms have led to improvements in remittances and exports.