Hanoi – As online consumer marketplace grows at a rapid rate and offers considerable potential economic and consumer benefits, the regulation will need closer attention. Further, consumer protection faces increasing challenges with mobile money environment and the rapidly changing technology.

To address these challenges, ASEAN will hold the first ASEAN Consumer Protection Conference (1st ACPC) from 8-9 December in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Conference aims to be a platform for experts and relevant stakeholders to network and exchange experiences and best practices. The Conference is expected to generate fruitful discussions and exchange of views on the development of consumer protection in ASEAN and engender discussions on the future direction of regional consumer trends and challenges. 

The 1st ACPC will deliberate on a wide range of topics on current issues and challenges relating to financial transactions, consumer product safety, e-commerce and development of consumer redress mechanisms. 

Expected participants are government bodies handling consumer protection schemes, researchers, NGOs, private practitioners and business associations, and other relevant organisations involve in consumer protection enforcement.

The Conference is organised under the auspices of the ASEAN Committee on Consumer Protection and hosted by the Vietnam Competition Authority. It is supported by the ASEAN – Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II) as part of a wider scale project entitled “Supporting Research and Dialogue in Consumer Protection.”