Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga has called on business entities, traders and service providers to adhere to the standards and regulations that safeguard the interests of consumers.
Mr Mulenga says the government will not entertain defective products and services to flood the Zambian market.
He urged the consumers to report all sub-standard products and services to the relevant regulatory authorities such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, Zambia Bureau of Standards, and other sector regulators.
Mr Mulenga said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Lillian Bwalya during the commemoration of the World Consumer Rights Day in Kabwe.
“Businesses have a responsibility to operate with integrity, comply with regulatory requirements, and prioritise consumer safety in their operations,” Mr Mulenga said.
He said business regulatory institutions play a critical role in ensuring that products and services on the market meet the required safety and quality standards.
“I am encouraging members of the public to remain vigilant, to seek accurate information about the products they purchase, and to report unsafe or substandard products to the relevant authorities,” Mr Mulenga.
And Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa in a speech read for him by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Godfrey Chitambala, said consumer protection is a key component of economic development.
“When consumers have confidence that products and services they access are safe and reliable, markets function more effectively and businesses are encouraged to maintain high standards,” he said.
CCPC Vice Board Chairperson, Sikambala Musune, said the commission remains committed to ensuring that consumers get good value for their money by being supplied with safe products and services.
“CCPC will also ensure that businesses that supply safe products are protected from unfair Competition. CCPC is anchored on market integrity, consumer empowerment and collaborative regulation,” he said.
Mr Musune called on all stakeholders to create a fair, competitive and safe marketplace that instill confidence in consumers and strengthen Zambia’s economic resilience.
CCPC Executive Director, Eunice Phiri urged the consumers to know their rights to avoid being subjected to substandard products and services.
World Consumer Rights Day National Organising Committee Chairperson, King Syacika commended government for decentralising the hosting of the event.
In a speech read for him.
Not very serious office holders are they? These are messages that go in through one ear and out through the other