Role of consumer groups must be clarified

Representatives from organizations representing enterprises and industry should not be included in consumer protection groups, because of possible conflict of interests, according to an article in the Beijing Youth Daily (excerpts below).

The consumer protection law will be revised for the first time since its introduction two decades ago.

Social and economic circumstances have changed dramatically during that time and it's necessary to change and the law must reflect this.

One crucial area must be tackled in the legislation: what exactly is the role of consumer organizations. Are they forums for opinion or do they have more of a definitive role?

It's obvious that enterprises and industry associations may, on certain occasions, have a different agenda than consumer groups.

This situation must be tackled in the new legislation.