Comment on "Debate: Luxury goods" (China Daily, July 11)

Prices of luxury goods, irrespective of whether they are made abroad or in China, are too high for ordinary Chinese residents to afford.

But during my visit to New York I was shocked to see that some "luxury brands" were much cheaper there than in China. In fact, many rich people travel to cities like New York to buy luxury products such as Channel handbags or Hermes apparels.

It's painful to see China's superrich, who have enormous purchasing power, spend their money aboard on luxury products, most of which are made in China, especially when the Chinese government is trying its best to boost domestic consumption.

As a student, I cannot even think of buying any of the luxury products. But I hope the authorities would take measures to ensure that some so-called luxury goods are sold at fair prices in China to prevent the rich from splurging overseas.

Peng Bo, via e-mail

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(China Daily 07/21/2011 page9)