Hanoi’s Department of Industry and Trade held a meeting on March 12 inresponse to World Consumer Rights Day (March 15) and launched the 2015campaign “Act for consumer rights”.
Addressingthe meeting, Deputy Director of the city’s Department of Industry andTrade Phan Tien Binh said consumer rights in Hanoi have been violated ina number of ways, yet few complaints are recorded and businesses tendto delay or even avoid handling the complaints that are. Relevant governmental bodies should take stronger responsibility forthe issue while consumers should be more active in protecting their ownlegitimate rights, he urged. Conveying a“Consumers raise the voice” message, the campaign includes a wide rangeof activities to increase public awareness of the eight consumer rightsand encourage them to speak out against violations. The department will give away free consumer guidebooks at publicspaces in Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung district, appear on a HanoiTelevision talk show to discuss the issue and hang street banners. A highlight of the campaign is the March consumer rights actionmonth, featuring 246 special outlets selling high-quality goods atreasonable prices, a 20 percent higher participation rate from lastyear. Major brands joining this year’sprogramme include VHC Corporation, Hanoi Trade Corporation, VietnamPosts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), retail chain BigC, ThuongDinh Footwear Lt. Co and Saigon Co.op retailer. Consumers will be provided with discounts and special offers as well asexcellent after-sale and warranty services during the month-longprogramme. A helpline (04.1081) has been set upto provide information on the special outlet locations and connectcallers with consumer rights protection agencies.-VNA
