The Fijian Competition Consumer Commission (FCCC) is taking steps to enhance its collaboration with the media, aiming to bolster consumer awareness and understanding of consumer rights as well as competition laws. This initiative was launched during a media mixer and orientation conducted by the FCCC, where they detailed their roles, limitations, and inter-agency partnerships. The FCCC stressed the importance of responsible reporting, which should not compromise ongoing investigations.
Jai Kumar, Senior Communications Officer at the FCCC, highlighted the media’s role in reaching audiences that the Commission may not. “Your support is vital in helping us educate the public,” he said. He also clarified that while they cannot always publicly name involved entities due to legal constraints, they encourage journalists to access court records and publish verified information independently.
The FCCC’s initiatives are driven by a commitment to transparency and advocacy, especially in light of the challenges it faces around naming individuals in investigations. This is part of a broader context where the FCCC has previously taken significant steps to enforce compliance within various market sectors, including rigorous inspections and addressing public safety and pricing standards, particularly in essential goods.
Notably, the introduction of an official app by the FCCC signifies a step forward in the simplification of the complaint submission process and the accessibility of information related to consumer rights. These developments align with earlier measures where the FCCC emphasized cooperation with businesses to create a fair trading environment, free from exploitation and unethical practices.
As the FCCC continues its proactive monitoring and enforcement efforts, it aims to inspire greater trust among consumers in Fiji. The collaboration with the media is a hopeful approach to ensure that consumers are better informed and safeguarded, while also fostering a more transparent marketplace conducive to ethical business practices.