The second day of the ISO/COPOLCO plenary sessions was opened today by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the Sofitel Resort, Nadi.
The Prime Minister said hosting the first ever ISO/COPOLCO demonstrates the Fijian Government's commitment to enhance consumer protection and enforce standards both nationally and to collaborate with the international community.
"My Government has brought about a number of legal changes and policy initiatives to enhance consumer protection. At the same time consumers have been given a prominent role in the development of trade standards in Fiji” the Prime Minister said.
“Given globalisation and modern day trade and commerce practices, there must be international collaboration. Such collaboration requires amongst other things the treatment of all agencies, of all countries, fairly and equally. It requires all countries to commit and adhere to internationally acceptable standards and practices”.
Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted that in 2011, the Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Council of Fiji was appointed the Chair of the Trade Standards Advisory Council (TSAC) which is the national body on standards.
"My Government considers that in policy development all stakeholders including consumers must be consulted and policies and standards should be developed in consensus of all stakeholders."
The Prime Minister said that Government upholds the importance of accountability and transparency and has included these values and principles into the various laws.
"Fiji is one of the few countries in the Pacific to directly address Standards and Metro logy. Relevant laws were amended in 2010 to make enforcement easier and meaningful with the introduction of on the spot fines for illegal practices which has given consumers greater protection."
He said this week's meeting is very timely for consumers, given the increasing complexities and relevance of consumer related issues such as fraud and trading of counterfeit products.
(The Prime Minister Speech can be found at: http://goo.gl/wjQRm)