The Ministry of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs will join Consumers International in commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15.

The observance will be held under the theme “Trusted Smart Products.”

World Consumer Rights Day is an annual event where consumer organizations in more than 100 countries join in solidarity to empower and champion the rights of consumers while focusing on contemporary, relevant issues. This year’s theme therefore seeks to raise awareness of smart technologies and the many opportunities and challenges of smart products.

With the growing global digital economy and the emergence of smart technologies, consumers now have access to new services, more responsive products, greater convenience and choice. On the other hand, consumers are also faced with issues such as lack of security, privacy and clarity as to who is responsible when things go wrong.

The objectives of this year’s World Consumer Rights Day include: emphasizing the importance of consumers having access to digital products and services that they can trust; increasing access to devices through fair data pricing and a better internet infrastructure; securing protection for consumers using second-hand devices; and building security and privacy into the country’s development process.