Majid bin Mohammed opens DWCCR

“Upholding consumer rights and fighting unhealthy practices like counterfeiting are vital elements of the ongoing efforts to add transparency and neutrality to business in Dubai and the UAE in general,” Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED who delivered the opening address at the conference said.

“Earlier this year, the Federal Cabinet headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved a new draft law on combating commercial fraud, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and the integrity of trade,” Al Qamzi stated.

Al Qamzi added that a major focus of the Department of Economic Development and its Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector is on evolving and implementing policies and regulations on consumer rights protection and best practices that would enhance Dubai’s reputation as a competitive retail destination.

“Retailing is one of the leading economic activities in Dubai and its value-add has grown in real terms at more than 12 per cent on average per year in the last decade, accounting for over AED 15 billion in 2011,” Al Qamzi explained.

“The future prospects are quite promising, with growth of the retail value-add forecast to exceed 5.5 per cent annually up to 2015. The Dubai World Consumer Rights Conference and Power Brands Dubai exhibition will enable the private sector and governments learn the best means to leverage such forecasts for sustained growth,” Al Qamzi said.

Speakers at DWCCR includes 27 regional and international experts, who will share their observations on 12 critical issues including the role of governments in protecting consumer rights and IPR, benefits of IPR and patent laws, consumer-driven retailing, importance of integrity in sales promotions, corporate social responsibility, protecting brands against counterfeiting, and aligning marketing strategies to modern consumer laws.

The second day of the conference will dedicate the first half to enabling delegates to learn about the best practices in consumer protection followed worldwide.

Meanwhile, the region’s leading brands and the best practices in brand promotion will be on showcase in the Power Brands Dubai exhibition. Nearly 30 leading firms are part of the exhibition.