Tuesday 9 July 2024
The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) met with the concerned authorities’ suppliers and wholesalers of vegetables and fruits in the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting was chaired by Waleed bin Ali Al Rawahi, Director General of the Directorate General of Consumer Services and Market Control, in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Selal Company, suppliers and wholesalers of vegetables and fruits, and several CPA officials.
The meeting aimed to enhance existing cooperation between all institutions, achieve sustainable development, achieve the public interest, overcome all obstacles and difficulties, and propose and discuss solutions. The meeting allowed CPA to affirm its support and role in serving the provider and consumer in the Selal marketplace.
During the meeting, the Director General of the Directorate General of Consumer Services and Market Control reaffirmed CPA’s unwavering support for all sectors. The meeting focused on discussing the role of the CPA office in the Selal market and finding the best approaches to serve the interests of both providers and consumers. It was emphasized that cooperation between stakeholders leads to economic recovery, diversification, and an active commercial environment.
The Director General highlighted the CPA's collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure the availability and price stability of vegetables and fruits in the markets, thereby contributing to a stable and safe market. The CPA carries out its regulatory role within the framework of its mandate, in accordance with the Consumer Protection Law and relevant decisions. It was emphasized that the CPA will not hesitate to take legal action against any price increases for goods without proper approval.
The presence of the CPA office in the market was acknowledged as supportive of providers and a reliable witness to market dynamics and seasonal fluctuations. During the meeting, mechanisms were discussed to ensure the availability of goods in the market and prevent exploitation of market variables. Agreements were reached on measures to guarantee the availability of commodities and stabilize their prices across all markets in Oman, considering factors such as supply and demand and the seasonal nature of production. The focus was on providing these goods at reasonable prices for consumers.
The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by relevant government institutions, suppliers, wholesalers, and the Selal market. Solutions were proposed, and efforts were emphasized to organize sales movements and ensure the display of product price lists and the issuance of invoices in Arabic during commercial transactions. It was stressed that the operational period of the market should not be exploited.
The Director General highlighted the CPA's role in monitoring markets and providing diverse shopping options to protect consumer rights. The CPA ensures that services and products are provided in compliance with regulations and issues violation reports against any provider who exploits market changes. The commitment of the CPA to fulfill its objectives, supervisory functions, and awareness-raising responsibilities in coordination with various authorities was emphasized. The aim is to foster cooperation, integration, and effective partnerships with the local community and its institutions.