EAEU and ASEAN exchanged experiences on consumer protection issues

Current issues of consumer protection, including in the context of e-commerce, were discussed during the first joint seminar held by the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In his welcome address to the seminar participants, Valentin Tatartitsky, Minister for Technical Regulation of the EEC, emphasised the particular importance of such events. He noted that each of our integration associations, as well as the participating states, has gained considerable experience in effectively protecting the legitimate rights and interests of citizens as consumers.

The EEC Minister expressed his confidence that the best practices presented by the participants on the development of consumer protection in the EAEU common market and the ASEAN market will find practical application in the activities of the relevant structures.

Vladimir Sinkevich, Director of the Commission's Department of Sanitary, Phytosanitary and Veterinary Measures, and Ronnarong Phulpiwat, Secretary General of the ASEAN Consumer Council Office, exchanged information on the implementation of national policies in this area. The special contribution of regional associations to creating conditions for the effective protection of citizens' interests in cross-border consumer markets was noted.

The seminar participants paid special attention to the problems of cross-border e-commerce, the need to improve legal norms and the introduction of best practices for consumer protection. The discussion helped to identify common challenges and propose ways to address them through dialogue and coordinated efforts by government agencies on both sides.

Vladimir Sinkevich expressed his conviction that the initiatives announced at the forum will be reflected in the practical activities of the relevant structures.

Following the seminar, directions for further joint action were identified, which will be included in the work on the formation of a new cooperation programme between the EEC and ASEAN for 2026-2030.