ASSA-Irada,
18, March 2008

The United States has called on Azerbaijan to protect its citizens' consumer rights.

"The Azerbaijani government should create favorable conditions for the prosperity of the private industry and trade," US ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse told an event on consumer rights held in Baku on Tuesday.

The diplomat said it was necessary to enlighten citizens in order to protect consumer rights.

"People need accurate information to make the right decision when buying consumer goods. The government may play a positive role by requesting companies to submit such information and ensuring safe storage of goods. This is a social accord between the government and citizens in the market economy," she said.

Derse said the United States backed Azerbaijan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Azerbaijan's exported goods should comply with international standards after the country is admitted to the organization, the ambassador said.