first arab consumer and brand protection forum to spur consolidated efforts against counterfeiting in the region
The volume of commercial fraud in the Arab countries is estimated at US$ 50 billion annually - international statistics.
Hemaya Universal, a pioneering consumer protection organization in Saudi Arabia, announced today the launch of the strategic Arab Consumer and Brand Protection Forum at the opening of the 4th Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy inaugurated today. The congress will continue until February 5.
The first Arab Consumer and Brand Protection Forum (ACBPF) has been scheduled to take place in Jeddah on October 19-22, 2008 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, the Governor of Makkah.
At the Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, Hemaya Universal, a pioneering consumer protection organization in Saudi Arabia, announced the launch of the strategic Arab Consumer and Brand Protection Forum (www.arabworldprotect.com), which will be held from October 19 to 21 in Jeddah, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, the Governor of Makkah.
The 4th edition of the Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy was hosted by the Dubai Customs and the World Customs Organization (WCO). In addition to WCO, the Congress will be convened by INTERPOL, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Marks Association (INTA) and the International Security Management Association (ISMA).
Dr. Mohammed Bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaijri, Assistant General Secretary of the Arab League for Economic Affairs, commented: "The Arab League has aligned
its efforts with Hemaya Universal to host the conference as a first step towards efforts to combat the epidemic of counterfeiting.”
Tuwaijri lauded the role of Hemaya Universal as the leading company in the Arab world specializing in this crucial yet initiative. Hemaya has courageously begun to protect consumers from commercial fraud, in addition to helping secure intellectual property rights in the Arab region.” he added.
Ahmed bin Suleiman Al-Zubeidi CEO of Hemaya Universal, commented: "The volume of commercial fraud globally is estimated at 7 to 10 per cent of the global trading volume that is US$780 billion annually.” In view of private sector’s keen understanding of the importance of this forum, several organizations and brand owners have shown great interest through participation and sponsorship. The forum promises to bring about stronger government support, as well as consumer awareness by initiating an unparallel campaign to alert the public of the dangers of counterfeited goods.
Al-Zubeidi added.
The first Arab Consumer and Brand Protection Forum aims to educate consumers of grave dangers Intellectual Property Rights and counterfeit goods through the use of symposiums and lectures on the ill-effects of commercial fraud. It addresses the need to protect the economies of Arab countries, as well as traders and copyright owners of original brands. Exchange of data and information with international organizations specialized in the fight against commercial fraud and counterfeiting will also be incorporated into the strategy to ensure our success the forum.
Speaking about the marketing communication support for the forum, Dr. Edmond Saadah, General Director of the Executive Committee of the forum, said: “Hemaya Universal has decided to implement an effective marketing communications campaign utilizing a wide range of media and content targeting each key segment of stakeholders”.
The multiple channels of communications utilized to deliver the campaign include: mass media, web portals, direct mail and events. This integrated marketing communication campaign will ensure the delivery of effective reach to key stakeholders in the public and private sectors worldwide. # # #
