Forum to strengthen consumer safety in e-commerce in Oman
The event, titled 'E-commerce: Consumer Rights and Supplier Obligations', was held under the patronage of Omar bin Hamdan al Ismaili, Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
The forum brought together stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector and civil society to address key challenges facing digital commerce, including consumer rights, supplier obligations and legal frameworks governing the sector. Discussions also covered the risks of electronic fraud and the role of regulatory institutions in ensuring a secure online shopping environment.
Mozna bint Rashid al Maamari, Director of Communications and Media at CPA, said the forum served as 'an open dialogue platform bringing together consumers, suppliers, regulatory bodies and others interested in the digital economy'.
'The goal is to develop Oman's e-commerce ecosystem by raising awareness and ensuring a safer digital marketplace,' she said. 'This gathering supports a future-oriented vision that promotes a robust digital economy, empowering consumers to make informed and safe purchasing decisions.'
The day's programme was divided into two discussion sessions. The first included a presentation by Azza al Kindi from MoCIIP on the regulation of e-commerce in Oman. This was followed by a talk by Khalid al Siyabi from CPA on safe digital shopping practices, and a presentation from the Central Bank of Oman's Hajar bint Qambar al Ajmi on financial consumer protection.
In the second session, Arwa bint Obaid al Zaabi from the Ministry of Economy, spoke about digital fraud from a behavioural economics perspective. This was followed by remarks from Hilal al Alawi of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority on postal services and e-commerce, and a presentation by Rashid al Alawi from the Ministry of Transport and Communications on postal sector policy.
The event concluded with an open discussion among attendees. The forum coincided with CPA's ongoing awareness campaign 'For Safe Shopping', which seeks to encourage secure online purchasing habits. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040.
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