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