Strengthening technical capacity on consumer protection

(Baonghean) - Recognizing the need to build and enhance the technical capacity of officials involved in consumer protection enforcement, a five-day workshop on six key areas related to consumer protection was held at the end of July at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. Experts from relevant agencies, ministries, sectors and consumer protection associations from ASEAN member countries attended.

The six focus areas of the program include: product safety and labeling; telephone services, internet and e-commerce; consumer credit and banking; environment; health care services; and professional services.

The modules of the programme serve as a knowledge base for ASEAN Member States, providing a comprehensive view of consumer protection issues in emerging areas of concern and how to respond. Taking into account the growing number of consumers in the ASEAN region and the number of consumers demanding access to adequate information, effective redress mechanisms, product standards and safety requirements, the training contents are developed to promote the knowledge and awareness of officials on a range of consumer protection issues and methods to prevent or address them.

Delegates attending a conference on consumer protection in Indonesia at the end of July. Photo: Internet

The key consumer protection issues for each sector, laws and regulations, and compensation mechanisms for resolving consumer rights lawsuits were highlighted. In addition, the workshop also focused on government market intervention and the use of advocacy groups to protect consumer interests.

Consumer protection is an integral part of a modern, efficient and competitive ASEAN economy. Consumer protection issues are of great concern in a “people-centric ASEAN” and affect every ASEAN citizen in their daily lives.

Minh Anh