DUBAI - The Ministry of Economy during the ‘15th Gulf Consumer Protection Day’ conference revealed a new initiative aimed at reducing the price of 5000 food and consumer goods in various regions of the country, with reduction rates ranging between 25 to more than 60%, starting 1st March 2020 to the end of this month.

Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Competitiveness and Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy, in a press statement, said, "Ministry coordinated with major retail outlets and cooperatives to implement the initiative, pointing out that the price cuts would include basic commodities, to support price stability, and provide many opportunities for consumers to obtain their necessities at lower prices." On the sidelines of the conference organised by the Ministry in Dubai, which was held under the slogan ‘Towards a secure electronic shopping experience for the Consumer’, Al Nuaimi added that following to the implementation of the initiative, preparation shall start for major discount campaigns before and during the Holy Month of Ramadan, at rates exceeding the previous Ramadan season.

Concerning the new law of Consumer Protection, Al Nuaimi indicated that it is currently going through the necessary legislative stages before its issuance, to keep pace with various modern and future developments in the markets.

He said that the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection will hold a meeting in Dubai to discuss new business initiatives to enhance consumer rights in the e-commerce sector, in line with the demand witnessed by the sector.

Al Nuaimi explained that the initiatives that will be discussed would include the necessity of the availability of standards of clarity, ease of use in e-shopping applications on smart phones, in addition to committing companies to the standards of fast delivery and sound condition of goods on delivery.

For his part, Dr. Suhail Al Bastaki, Director of Happiness and Marketing Department, Union Coop, on behalf of Consumer Cooperative Union, said, "The Cooperative will launch in conjunction with the 15th Gulf Consumer Protection day and the Coop Shopping Festival, offers and discounts that include more than 300 items of the ‘Coop’ brand, with rates up to 30% in March." Ahmad Hassan Al Zaabi, Director - Consumer Protection Department at Department of Economic Development, said, "Dubai Economy worked to develop a smart and effective system to deal with consumer complaints, noting that the retail sector is an essential part of the economy of the Emirates of Dubai, accounting to about 26% of its GDP, so as effective system for dealing with consumer complaints and finding solutions to them in a smooth manner is considered a strategic potential for retail trade in Dubai."

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