The Ministry of Industry and Commerce organized the activities of the twentieth GCC Consumer Protection Week, in coordination with consumer protection authorities and departments in the GCC countries, to emphasize the importance of the unified GCC role in protecting consumer rights in light of the sector’s rapid developments and growing challenges at local and regional levels.
H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that this year’s GCC Consumer Protection Week plan translates the directives of the Heads of Consumer Protection in the GCC Committee, in an aim to unify awareness campaigns and community activities to enhance joint awareness and exchange of expertise among GCC countries, to serve the best interest of GCC consumers and provide a safer and fairer commercial environment.
His Excellency elaborated that the GCC Consumer Protection Week is an important platform to send targeted awareness messages to all segments of society, as the events aim to empower consumers with knowledge of their rights and duties, increase their awareness of the complaint mechanisms and legal protection available to them, in addition to highlighting the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain in developing legislation, programs and policies that support consumer protection.
Within the framework of this week's activities, the Minister of Industry and Commerce stressed that this year's celebrations acquire a distinctive character through the launch of the "young Consumer and young merchant " initiative, at Seef Mall – Manama, with the aim of instilling the principles of consumer awareness and commercial responsibility among children from a young age, and introducing them to the basics of the relationship between consumer and merchant, and the rights and duties of each party, which contributes to preparing a conscious generation capable of making responsible consumer decisions.
He added: "We believe in the importance of instilling a culture of conscious consumption in the hearts of children and youth, as they are the basic building block of our future society. The young Consumer and young Merchant initiative is a practical step towards achieving this goal, through an interactive and enjoyable educational experience that combines benefit and knowledge."
Moreover, Minister Fakhro praised the efforts of supporting national authorities, stressing the continuation of constructive coordination between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, represented by the Consumer Protection Directorate, the Ministry of Education, INJAZ Bahrain, and "Mytoyco", which represents an active partner in implementing consumer awareness programs.
