(VOVworld) – The Prime Minister has designated March 15 as Consumers’ Right Day. This is to increase the importance of consumer protection in Vietnam’s sustainable development.

People’s lack of legal knowledge has made consumer protection more difficult in Vietnam. The role of civil organizations in protecting consumers’ rights has been legally acknowledged but no due attention has been given to their work.

Vietnam’s international integration has prompted social efforts to protect consumers’ rights. Nguyen Thi Quynh Chi, President of the Women with Consumption Club, a member of the Vietnam Retailers’ Association, said: “Consumers should be aware of their rights in a period of open economic integration. Good awareness will lead to the wiser selection of goods.”

State management agencies are required to devise policies to help related civil organizations and research appropriate models to protect consumers’ rights. Coordination between the relevant ministries and agencies should be strengthened to detect and address any violations of consumers’ rights. Cao Xuan Quang, Head of the Consumers’ Right Protection Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said: “The protection of consumers’ rights requires the involvement of state agencies, civil organizations, businesses, and consumers themselves. Consumers should be aware of their rights and responsibilities and violations should be dealt with strictly. Civil organizations should play an important role in protecting consumers’ rights.”

Better protection of consumers’ rights will be a precondition for Vietnam to accelerate its international economic integration.