The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ajman, UAE is planning measures aimed at protecting consumers, growing the economy, and eradicating unethical business practices.

The resolutions were reached at a workshop that was organized by the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Division (CCCPD), a sub-branch of DED in Ajman.

DED identified price exploitation and counterfeit goods as two of the most widespread malpractices perpetrated by unethical businesspersons in the emirate of Ajman, said Ali Issa Khalfan Al-Nuaimi, director general of DED.

DED's new resolutions also lay out a significant number of other consumer protection statutes, including the right for consumers to have a choice and a voice, the right to claim compensation for damaged goods and, the right to be served in a safe environment.

The Department also noted several other areas of concern to consumer protection, including misleading adverts, which are usually stapled on car windows and house doors and unsourced goods, which are usually sold on vehicles in the streets.

The Department will particularly be enforcing consumer education, as an educated consumer is an empowered consumer.

“In order to effectively develop our economy, consumers need to be protected against unethical business practices. A protected consumer possesses more purchasing power, and is a key driver of our economy. By coming up with these initiatives, DED wishes to enhance market stability and raise consumer awareness throughout Ajman,” Al-Nuaimi said.

To solemnize the resolutions, DED unveiled a brand manual and logo which will be used in all present and future consumer protection campaigns.

The Department has also put together a team of trained and qualified inspectors who will carry out inspection of all establishments within Ajman. The team will also play a crucial role in the combat against commercial fraud and counterfeit products, which, Al-Nuaimi noted, have become an issue of global concern. – TradeArabia News Service