Economic Policy

Observation and study of product testing

Cases of fraudulent trading and misleading representation have skyrocketed along with rapid growth in the market economy in Viet Nam. In collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Agency, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and academics, JICA provides support for the first time in the field of consumer affairs.

Enhancement of Consumer Protection Administration

The number of consumer issues has ballooned in recent years along with rapid growth in the market economy in Viet Nam. These include problems associated with competition policy such as fraudulent trading and abuse of a market-dominant position, as well as issues directly impacting consumer health and assets such as misleading information on product quality and price. As with Japan in the past, there are still scant steps being taken to protect the rights of consumers among the government, companies and consumers in Viet Nam. Governmental measures regarding consumer affairs are insufficient from both a legal standpoint and policy enforcement. This has prompted an urgent need to develop human resources that can appropriately enforce consumer protection policies. The Vietnamese government has therefore asked the Japanese government for support in three key areas: (1) advice on laws on the protection of consumers' interests being developed on their own accord; (2) assistance with the establishment and reinforcement of consumer protection administrations; and (3) assistance for raising awareness of consumer protection.

Trainees receive an explanation on product accidents

Consumer affairs are wide-ranging and constantly changing. In Japan, a variety of institutions have been grappling with the issues, such as the Consumer Affairs Agency inaugurated in September 2009. With this project, JICA has started providing assistance in the field with the cooperation of this agency as well as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, other related institutions, local government and academics in consumer affairs.

The project aims to promote understanding of consumer policies and consumer protection law in Viet Nam among government-related institutions and the public, and create foundations for a policy enforcement structure by enhancing capabilities related to consumer protection administration at government and administrative agencies.