MCIL leads Outreach Programmes to Boost Understanding of Consumer Rights

March 15, 2023

March 15th of each year is recognised by the Consumer International as World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) to highlight issues influencing consumers worldwide and raise awareness about basic consumer rights and needs.

The eight (8) basic consumer rights include the;

1. Right to safety,

2. Right to information,

3. Right to choose,

4. Right to representation,

5. Right to satisfaction of basic needs,

6. Right to redress,

7. Right to a healthy environment,

8. Right to consumer education.

The theme of this year is “Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions” – aimed at engaging consumers and businesses to interact in a solid and competitive trading environment by conducting outreach programs.

In honour of this special day, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Office of the Regulator (OOTR), Samoa Business Hub (SBH) and the Gambling Control Authority (GCA) will conduct awareness programs in Savaii and Upolu to commemorate WCRD this year.

The outreach programmes ensure our government agencies work together in Samoa’s joint efforts to uphold Consumer Protection through recognition of trade facilitation, business development and food safety and other areas.

“The envisioned purpose of the awareness programs is to further enhance and boost the understanding of consumers and business operators of their obligatory roles and ensure the business community sensibly treats consumers without any deceptive activities,” says MCIL CEO Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling.

In addition to the awareness programs, a talk show on television was also held to assist convey the message broadly to the whole country.

The series of awareness programs intends to cover Falealili and Faasaleleaga III districts today – targeting consumers, business operators and the general public:

• Tuesday, 14th March – Talk show on TV 1

• Wednesday, 15th March – Poutasi, Community Hall

• Friday, 17th March – Sapapalii, EFKS Hall