India and other Asian countries must think collectively to protect consumers' interest in view of rising globalisation and e-commerce, UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi said today.
He also pitched for nurturing consumer privacy and empowering vulnerable consumers with digital literacy amid growing online purchases globally.
Speaking at a two-day global event on 'Empowering consumers in new markets', organised by the consumer affairs ministry, Kituyi called for collective efforts to protect the interest of consumers in Asia.
Around 20 countries including China and South Korea participated in the event. Pakistan and North Korea were not invited. Several consumer organisations were also present.
Lauding India's efforts for being the first to frame a consumer protection law an year after the UN guidelines were formed in 1985, Kituyi said: "We must think collectively" to address the new challenges of consumer protection with changing circumstances in global economy.
A recent study shows that India tops in the world in terms of number of users of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools, he said, adding that though these are important achievements, vulnerable groups are left behind and they need to be empowered.
Since the challenges of consumer protection and consumer interest in digital transformation is very daunting, there is a need to provide high quality and affordable ICTs especially mobile and internet to empower consumers.
The UNCTAD official also suggested that countries should ensure consumers understand information provided on goods and services and provide them choices free from hazardous things.
Talking about privacy of consumers in view of rising online trade, he said that there is a need to "nurture consumer privacy" as data provided by consumers are being commodified for the marketing purpose.
Among others, he suggested an online network for faster redressal of consumer grievances on the model being followed by Mexico.
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