UAE focuses on consumer rights

Abu Dhabi: The UAE is strengthening legislation to protect consumer rights - an area in which the country has the potential to improve.

"The Ministry of Economy has already drafted two laws on competition and investment, and both are expected to contribute to eliminating unjustified rise in prices and prevent any irrational market behaviour," Mohammad Ahmad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehi, director-general of the ministry, said.

The ministry yesterday launched a month-long, countrywide campaign to create awareness on consumer protection.

At a news conference in Abu Dhabi to mark the fourth GCC Consumer Protection Day, Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri said consumer protection practices are essential for market equilibrium.

Al Shehi said the initiative is targeted at the consumer and is aimed to "safeguard consumer rights across the GCC region".

He said the ministry has coordinated with all concerned organisations in the UAE to set up a comprehensive plan to celebrate the campaign through March.

Al Shehi said the UAE has made concerted efforts to protect consumers in order to ensure their satisfaction.

"The Federal Law No (24) of year 2006, regarding consumer protection issued by the UAE, is an example of the nation's commitment to consumers," said Al Shehi.

Mohammad Amerah, an Abu Dhabi-based economist, told Gulf News that although the campaign is a step in the right direction, in order to have a greater impact it should cover consumers and producers along with merchants.

"But we should also remember that we are living in a free market and the government cannot impose a price level on products or force retailers to cut prices. However, the retailers here can be asked to have reasonable profit margins as prices of goods and services have been coming down of late in exporting countries," he added.

Separately, Faisal Al Arshi, deputy general manager of Abu Dhabi Cooperative, said they are selling as many as 265 items at their stores at procurement prices to support the endeavour.

"We have been doing it since March 2008. The items include food and consumer products," said Al Arshi.

A spokesman for Lulu Hypermarket chain said prices 45 products were cut on Sunday, with cuts ranging from 10 per cent to 30 per cent.