Establish a healthy market to protect consumers' rights

March 15 is consumer rights day in China. The mass media has marked the day since 1991 by collectively exposing dishonest businessmen. More than 20 years on, the media's focus on this day has not dwindled, despite China's development. The retail industry has not progressed at the same rate as China's economic growth. The Chinese government should reflect on the cause of consumers' low confidence in domestic consumption, says an article of Guangming Daily. Excerpts:

After-sale service is this year's main theme for consumer rights day. The theme covers a wide range of areas concerning consumers' rights over the past 20 years. But consumers are never satisfied on this day because it has proved very difficult for them to defend their rights, because of the lack of channels to seek justice and insufficient legal support.

The media has played a bigger role than it should have. Relevant law enforcement agencies and industrial and commercial administrations should fulfill their responsibilities. They must strengthen the punishment for illegal businesses to deter others.

The Chinese government should also improve the protection of intellectual property rights and create a healthy market order to promote the growth of the most competitive and innovative enterprises.