Ensuring Optimal Benefits for Consumers
The Vietnam Consumer Protection Association (VICOPRO) recently launched a groundbreaking initiative with the introduction of the ‘Consumer’ app, marking a significant step forward in enhancing consumer rights protection. This mobile and tablet application is designed to empower consumers, especially those in rural, remote, and disadvantaged areas, by providing easy access to essential information and resources.
The app offers a wealth of features, including a two-way interactive channel for complaints and consultations, a platform for consumer law communication, and tools to enhance transparency. It also facilitates business verification of genuine products and provides consumer voting, surveys, loyalty programs, and special offers. Additionally, it introduces trustworthy products and services and connects manufacturers, distributors, and exporters within the association’s network.
According to VICOPRO’s leadership, the app is a result of their commitment to ensuring consumers’ best benefits. In its initial phase, it offers ten key features, from consultation and complaints to consumer alerts and product verification. They plan to continuously gather consumer feedback to update and enhance the app’s services and features, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for consumers nationwide.
Addressing Consumer Concerns: Handling 150,000 Complaints
Despite the challenges of 2024, VICOPRO demonstrated its dedication to consumer rights protection through proactive initiatives. They coordinated over 500 events, training sessions, and meetings, installed informative banners and slogans, and conducted parades to raise awareness. Notably, they directly addressed and resolved an impressive 150,000 consumer complaints through various channels, achieving an 85% resolution rate, with a 100% success rate for complaints handled via the hotline.
The association also played a crucial role in disseminating the Consumer Protection Law and relevant legal regulations, promoting the Buy Vietnamese Goods campaign, and contributing to drafting legal documents. VICOPRO’s efforts extend beyond the app, as they work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to strengthen legal education and enhance public awareness, with a particular focus on guiding and supporting vulnerable consumer groups.
A Nationwide Network: 54 Provincial and Municipal Associations
Currently, VICOPRO’s reach extends across Vietnam, with 54 provincial and municipal Consumer Protection Associations and 12 affiliated units. Their membership includes over 1,400 organizations and nearly 142,000 individuals, reflecting the association’s widespread impact and dedication to protecting consumer rights throughout the country.
