RIYADH: There is a need to create awareness among consumers about counterfeit products, commercial fraud and intellectual property rights (IPR), Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Khwaiter, said after inaugurating the 2nd Arab Forum for Consumer Protection, Commercial Fraud, Counterfeiting and Intellectual Property Rights Protection at King Faisal Hall in Riyadh, Sunday. A large number of national, regional and international specialists and experts in the field of commercial fraud and counterfeiting products besides Customs Department Directors-General from Arab states, Middle East and North Africa are attending the three-day Forum. Dr. Al-Khwaiter affirmed the Kingdom's keenness to safeguard consumers' interest and to combat the menace of commercial fraud and intellectual property rights. “I am honored and pleased to open forum on behalf of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who appreciates the efforts and goals set for the benefit and welfare of the consumers in the Kingdom,” Al-Khwaiter said. Dr. Al-Khwaiter also opened exhibition running on the sidelines of the forum. The exhibition showcases genuine products and the event is being organized to create consumer awareness about the counterfeit products. He said Saudi Arabia in the larger interest of consumer protection stood firm to combat the menace of commercial fraud, counterfeit products and intellectual property rights. The deputy minister said that commercial fraud, counterfeiting and IPR are some of the issues not only concern to the consumers but also to the companies and the government as well. “The increasing violation of rules in this area has a negative impact and needs concerted efforts by all parties involved,” he said. “The concerned government agencies and private sector entities stood firm to combat this menace through confiscation of counterfeit product, reduce the entry of counterfeit products in to the Kingdom,” he said. He said the Kingdom's leadership gave directives to mass media channels including electronic and print and radios to educate consumers on the negative impact of counterfeit relating. Saleh Bin Manai Al-Khilaiwi, Director General, Saudi Customs ensures speedy processing and release of legitimate consignments and seizing counterfeit materials at the entry points. The implementation of recommendations adopted at the 1st Arab Forum on the same issue held in 2008 resulted in noticeable seizing of counterfeit and fake consignments that reached up to 17 million items at the Kingdom's customs department, “which ultimately cleared Saudi Arabia's name from regular watch list. These steps also helped Saudi Customs to win the World Customs Organization (WCO) award in 2009 for its efforts in combating counterfeit products.” Dr. Zuhair Al Sharafi, WCO Vice-President and representative of Middle East North Africa and Near East Region admired King Abdullah's patronization of forum and commended the efforts of Saudi Customs in organizing the forum. Kunio Mukhuriya, the Secretary General of WCO affirmed his support for customs department in the Arab states and praised them for applying international standards as part of combating commercial fraud and protecting intellectual property rights.
