Effective consumer protection is essential in the functioning of the economy as a whole and those that fail to provide a satisfactory deal to consumers lose out.

While opening the two week long consultations and workshops of the Consumer Protection Laws in Nadi, Commerce Commission Chairman Mahendra Reddy stressed that an increase in consumer confidence is vital to the overall economy.

Reddy said if consumers are optimistic about the economy, they tend to spend more on durable goods and other large purchases and this will see a higher demand for goods, leading to a higher output and employment.

Dr Reddy said that a proper framework of rules reflecting the concerns of consumers and protecting their interest is needed.

The Consumer Protection Law review workshop is to discuss how consumers can be protected and their confidence raised.

The step has been taken in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji Commerce Commission.

The review will end on 29 October after which experts will make recommendations to Government on the changes needed and best suited to Fiji’s need.


Story by: Sneh Chaudhry