Day 8 - Consumer Protection and Consumer Rights
From mid-April to mid-July 2005, Dimyanos Kattar was serving as Minister of Finance as well as Minister of Economy and Trade in the Mikati government. Despite the heavy load of the various political and economic responsibilities he had to fulfill. Kattar found the time to promote
consumer awareness and put in place an ambitious consumer protection program.
After few days in office, and with the help of the highly qualified General Manager of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, Kattar had already promoted a positive team spirit among the various employees and consultants working at the Ministry. The whole team was engaged in putting together a consumer awareness campaign that was on the TV screens and billboards within few weeks.
The impact was remarkable. Lebanese consumers became conscious about their basic rights. They felt for the first time in years that their State was there to protect their privileges as buyers. A small booklet was issued and distributed massively. There was a phone
number for complaints. Citizens started calling. The team at the Ministry was there to respond professionally and initiate corrective actions. The system was working like never before.
Sellers quickly understood that by enhancing the value of the goods they are offering, they would be gaining faithful customers on the long run. Traders, that were looking at the Lebanese market as a dump yard for items that are rejected elsewhere in the world, had to change their approach and give the Lebanese consumers more consideration. Local manufacturers of quality products were rewarded as their home market was not longer subject to unfaithful competition.
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