The CEO of the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) Mrs. Nathalie Edmond met with the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne to present a copy of the FTC’s Annual Report for the year 2022. Mrs. Edmond was accompanied by the Deputy CEO Mrs. Frederika Confait-Poussou, and the Senior Legal Secretary Mrs. Sharon Andimignon.
Mrs. Edmond stated that the report encapsulates the hard work done by the Commission during the past year and the additional efforts made to tackle issues ranging from language barriers on commodities, overpricing, wholesale, competition, issuing of fixed penalties, and an improvement in general education and advocacy. The Hon. Speaker was informed that the Fair Trading Act that came into force in 2022 has allowed the FTC to curb ongoing malpractices. It was noted that the Commission listened to and acted on 144 public complaints in 2022 which spanned across several sectors, with most issues emanating from the construction industry. Mrs. Edmond also stated that FTC works closely with COMESA to create mergers with the COMESA region to promote competition and ensure better quality and affordable prices.
In his remarks, Hon. Mancienne expressed his appreciation towards FTC, inclusive of the 100 plus inspectors, for expanding their roles while still facing many challenges. The Speaker remarked that the public availability of the report “will encourage the public to come forward to inform FTC of discrepancies which will also encourage retailers and wholesalers to work equitably”. He also advised for the FTC to increase its sensitization efforts and educational campaigns and continue to work efficiently as a team in order to receive and retain the public’s trust and support.
