11.04.2018 İstanbul
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, speaking at the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) Hıgh Level Meeting and Spring Conference, pointed out that it is necessary to protect consumers’ rights while increasing manufacturers’ competitiveness and that, the true power driving the economy is consumer choice.
Ministry of Customs and Commerce, Consumer Protection and Market
Monitoring Directorate is chairing ICPEN during the 2017-2018 on behalf of
Turkey. The ICPEN High Level Meeting Spring Conference has started in İstanbul.
Speaking at the opening of the event, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed
that they are all consumers in addition to being producers.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the real sector is aware that consumption is
what necessitates production, “Producers exist only thanks to consumers. If the
consumer moves with confidence, knowing they will receive their money’s worth, they
will buy more comfortably. This reflects positively on both the real sector and
the country's economy. In fact, figures show the power of power the consumer
and consumption. In most countries, 60-70% of economy is comprised of domestic
consumption. Because of this, the concept of consumer democracy comes to the
fore. In other words, the main power that directs the economy is the consumer's
preferences. At this point, I would like to state that the most difficult task
is undertaken by our Ministry. On the one hand you must protect and reinforce
the market, on the other you must defend the rights of the consumers. Our
Ministry is fulfilling this is difficult, but vital task. We, the real sector,
are working with our Ministry. We increase the competitiveness of our producers
as well as protecting consumers’ rights. I congratulate the Minister and all
members of the Ministry for having successfully undertaken such an important
responsibility.”
- Minister Tüfenkçi
Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkçi stated that the world is
undergoing significant transformations.
Tüfenkçi stated that a new industrial model, “Industry 4.0”, in which
information-communication technologies and machines work together, is becoming
more widespread, while digital economy and its commercial practices are
affecting all countries and people.
Tüfenkçi stated that Turkey puts great importance on ICPEN which seeks
to provide solutions to consumer issues, increase cooperation between public
administrations, as well as dialogue and solidarity. Turkey became a member in
2010, aiming to contribute to the development of this network. Tüfenkçi reported
that they have been hard at work as ICPEN Term Chair and have tried to move the
organization to forward and these efforts are still ongoing.