Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI), Endrit Shala, on the International Consumer`s Day, emphasized that consumer protection is an extremely dynamic field in the European Union, which often predisposes with new measures, and this presents a sufficient reason that our governmental and non-governmental authorities act together, along with the general harmonization of legislation with that of the EU.
“In order that a country as Kosovo achieves the readiness for being part of the EU common market, the consolidation of a special structure is needed, through which the Republic of Kosovo would prove the merit of consumer confidence in an internal market, through clear rules and law enforcement to every consumer or economic entity wherever it is located, "said Minister Shala.
According to Shala, even when it comes to financial services, the customer must be protected and protection mechanisms must exist.
"Especially taking into account the scope of activity, where competences include a multidisciplinary field such as banks, credit unions, salary lenders, mortgage operations, debt collectors or other financial companies operating in Kosovo. Thus, this shows how endangered the consumer is, if there were no authority to protect them, “said the minister.
Shala stressed that the commitment of all competent authorities to advancing the position and the consumer`s rights, besides presenting personal and human necessity, it is also a legal and institutional obligation to advance the development of the country's processes.
"In this regard, I would like to emphasize that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is committed to continue in improving the consumer`s position, also through updating the legislation and increasing cooperation with all responsible bodies regulating the provision of financial services. Therefore, as a legal and moral obligation for the consumer`s rights, a very important role also represents the genuine addressing of customer concerns regarding financial services" said Shala.
