Dubai set to host int’l events to protect consumer rights

Dubai has once again taken a milestone initiative with the launch of two international events to protect consumer rights. The first Dubai World Conference for Consumer Rights 2013 and the Power Brands Exhibition for trademarks will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 1-3, 2013. Organised by the Department of Economic Development (DED), Government of Dubai, both the events are supported by Dubai Refreshment Company and Al Fajer Information and Services, a reflection of partnership between the government and the private sector. “Through this initiative we seek to reinforce the trust and loyalty of consumers, promote the retail sector in line with international best practices in consumer rights protection, and ultimately provide a competitive retail environment that will strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the best shopping destinations in the world,” Sami Al Qamzi, Director-General, DED, said at the launch event on Wednesday. Qamzi said, “The retail trade sector has played an important role in Dubai’s economic development, nearly as important in terms of its direct contribution to GDP and growth. Its value-add grew in real terms at more than 12 per cent on average per year in the last decade and accounted for over Dh15 billion. The future prospects are quite promising, with growth of the retail value-add forecast to exceed 5.5 per cent annually over 2012-2015.” The DED is dedicated to raising awareness of consumers’ and retailers’ rights and responsibilities through its Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division. ECCCP is specialised in proposing regulations, policies and laws on trademark protection, including those related to anti-fraud, trademark infringement and protection of trade names. The division also conducts random and organised inspections. Satish Khanna, general manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, said that the two events target the entire Mena region. The Dubai World Conference on Consumer Rights will be held under the theme ‘Best practices in consumer protection’. It is targeted at top international and local CEOs and senior government officials, management gurus, enforcement consumer advocates and other professionals in consumer protection and privacy. The Power Brands Exhibition seeks to promote the best consumer oriented brands in Dubai. It will bring under one roof some of the finest consumer brands, and help them gain recognition through the endorsement from DED.  Khanna said that Al Fajer and DED have designed the conference and exhibition keeping in mind the intelligence of consumers in the Mena region and to help them make informed decisions by bringing them face to face with leading brands, as well as throw light on key consumer issues. “We expect these two events to attract leading retail local and international companies as exhibitors and global luminaries as speakers,” he said. He said that the two-day conference will focus on the future of consumer protection law, and is a ‘must attend’ event for enforcers and practitioners. The speakers will include top officials from the government, enforcement authorities, legislators, attorneys, scholars, economists, consumer advocates, and other professionals in consumer protection and privacy. The key objectives of the conference are strengthening consumer protection, increasing consumer education and awareness, and setting the stage for driving revenues of the retail industry. Overall, it will be a forum to facilitate the essential learning process, to network, exchange ideas and information, and discuss the latest trends with peers and industry experts. From : Khalij