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Deputy Minister Pavlov Participates in OECD Member States’ Consumer Policy Meeting

Deputy Minister Pavlov Participates in OECD Member States’ Consumer Policy Meeting

“Consumers are central to the digital and green transition. Our aim is to ensure they have equal rights both online and offline and feel confident using new digital channels, no matter the retail medium,” said Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Nikolay Pavlov while participating in a meeting with representatives from the member states of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The event at the OECD headquarters in Paris centered on Consumers at the Center of the Digital and Green Transition, exploring the opportunities and challenges involved.

At the OECD forum, participants discussed additional measures to tackle the new risks related to consumer product safety in the fast-changing global market. The aim is to foster economic growth and development through consumer policy and improve consumer well-being.

Deputy Minister Pavlov shared Bulgaria’s position in two panels at the meeting, focusing on the necessary steps to protect and empower consumers in the digital and green transition.

He believes that the fast-paced changes in today’s dynamic and increasingly digital markets provide many benefits but also bring risks, challenges, and new types of consumer vulnerability. Tackling these global challenges demands a coordinated global effort from all economic players and consumer protection agencies.

Ministers and representatives from OECD member states, the EU, and stakeholder non-member states adopted a Declaration on Protecting and Empowering Consumers in the Digital and Green Transitions.

“Bulgaria welcomes the adoption of the Declaration and recognizes the need to protect consumers during the digital and green transitions. This includes addressing new safety risks of consumer products in the global market and promoting cross-border cooperation to improve consumer welfare,” Deputy Minister Pavlov said, noting that Bulgaria has joined the Ministers’ Declaration.

Bulgaria joining the Declaration on Protecting and Empowering Consumers in the Digital and Green Transitions sends a strong political message and clearly demonstrates the country’s commitment to the principles and values of the Organization, as pledged when expressing Bulgaria’s intent to join the OECD.

The Declaration recognizes the need to protect and empower consumers during the digital and environmental transition, acknowledging its significant impact on societies and economies. It underscores the role of the OECD, especially the Committee on Consumer Policy, as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience in digital policies and practices. Additionally, it underscores the importance of international cooperation with all stakeholders, including other international organizations, to create standards and policies for consumer protection in this transition.

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