More than BD270,000 has been returned to consumers unhappy with the items they purchased between January 2023 until November last year, Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla Adel Fakhro has revealed.
He told MPs yesterday during parliament’s weekly session, in a reply to a question tabled by MP Mohammed Al Ahmed on consumer protection, that disenchanted shoppers had also received exchanges worth more than BD72,000 for returned goods during that time.
“The Consumer Protection Directorate under the ministry has managed to resolve 13,482 complaints out of 14,305 in the same period,” added the minister.
“This is around 97.7 per cent, while 177 complaints are being followed up. We deal with complaints within a maximum 60 days and businesses failing to comply face administrative closure or referral to the Public Prosecution.”
He added that there were 49 ‘consumer friendly’ businesses in 2024, which had reduced the prices of 10 out of 15 basic commodities from which 300,000 consumers had benefited.
“We have waived promotional fees on 32 ‘sale’ campaigns, which resulted in cheaper prices for 183 food and consumer products,” he told MPs. “Also, we have exempted 32 businesses and industries from storage fees of land given by us for three months to help lower prices.”
The minister said the focus remained on raising awareness of consumer rights.
“This comes with regular inspections and collaboration with traders,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Fakhro said efforts are underway to enhance the competitiveness of local industries and make them the ‘preferred choice’, both domestically and internationally.
He added the government was committed to providing incentives and targeted support to help them thrive and expand.
His remarks came in response to a query from Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom, regarding measures to support Bahraini companies and sectors.
Mr Fakhro emphasised that the current policies, aiming to empower local industries, will be further elevated to ensure more growth and visibility of Bahrain-made products.
“We aim to provide financial incentives, subsidies and benefits to help local industries reduce costs and compete more effectively with international players,” said Mr Fakhro. “Technical assistance and training programmes will also be offered to ensure that local products meet global standards, making them more attractive in export markets.
“We will launch marketing campaigns and participate in international trade fairs to showcase Bahrain’s industrial capabilities and create demand for local goods.
“We have already introduced the ‘Made in Bahrain’ stamp for every product manufactured in the country.”
Also appearing in the session was Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawfiqi to respond to a question by MP Muneer Suroor on youth empowerment programmes.
“We have supported 127 projects targeting youths,” said Ms Tawfiqi. “There is commitment to support more.”
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