Sharjah24: Sharjah Economic Development Department “SEDD” organised a training programme under the title of distinguishing between original and counterfeit product and risks of counterfeit goods to consumer.

This programmes was participated by 14 commercial officers from the Department and it aimed to provide training and qualification for the employees of Commercial Control and Protection Department at SEDD. This program focused on educating these commercial officers about the needed skills in their field, and it sought to put an end to counterfeit products sweeping the markets, to protect the economic and commercial community and companies as well as institutions from attempts of fraud and counterfeiting.

The training programme dealt with how to distinguish between the original and counterfeit product according to the latest data. This was done in order to raise the efficiency of commercial officers, develop their capabilities, and familiarize them with the new methods and ways to distinguish between the original and counterfeit goods in all their forms and types. Also, the program discussed many topics related to such area to educate these employees about the field they are working at. 

Commenting on that, Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Commercial Control and Protection Department at SEDD, said that commercial fraud has reached advanced stages in terms of imitation of the original product, and it is difficult for non-specialists to detect this forgery and imitation, which carries great responsibilities for the Department to train and qualify the workers.

Al Suwaidi added that the Department’s role is not limited to protecting consumers and investors only, but also goes beyond that to familiarize traders with the systems and procedures adopted to avoid disputes or complaints against them. Likely, it works to implement control campaigns to ensure the safety of all economic practices in the emirate. He pointed out that the complaints index, during the last period of this year, reflects the extent of consumers' response to awareness campaigns and initiatives that are organized on a continuous and varied basis.

Moreover, He stressed that SEDD works effortlessly in accordance with its tasks and responsibilities, in cooperation with various government and private agencies, to ensure the safety of all economic practices in the Emirate of Sharjah from all specious practices carried out by traders through fraud and deception in commercial goods, especially in imitation of trademarks. Al Suwaidi pointed out that SEDD will not tolerate violating any facility that does not comply with the procedures and controls issued by the concerned authorities. In addition, he pointed out to the importance of full cooperation from everyone, to achieve the desired goals that were set to protect society. Likely, Al Suwaidi explained that SEDD is working with dealers and consumers to find a fair relationship between the two parties. Additionally, it communicates through all possible means with consumers to educate them and inform them of their basic rights, through available platforms and websites and continuous field tours for this purpose. As well as, it communicates with the merchants to raise their awareness about their rights and duties. Likewise, he called upon all members of the public to communicate with the Department in the event of facing any violation through 80080000 whenever needed.