Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 20, 2008: The Chief of Dubai Customs recently announced that the authority is intensifying it's efforts to curb illegal trade in counterfeit products by seeking greater cooperation with their counterparts in the region and globally, including Interpol, to catch and punish those dealing in fake contraband goods. This comes close on the heels of it's recent unveiling of the 'Dubai Declaration' in May 2008. The declaration that will be adopted by all countries in the Arab world and 173 countries of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) encompasses a set of tough guidelines that will act as a benchmark for tracking and seizing fake goods and for convicting and fining the manufacturers and traders of counterfeit products. Increasing measures to crackdown on counterfeit goods are also being taken by Dubai MunicipalityDubai Municipality, Consumer Protection Union and the Department of Economic Development (DED)Department of Economic Development (DED) which has launched the 'Hemaya' website (www.himaya.ae/hemaya) as part of its continuing efforts to improve consumer and trade awareness about products.

Mr Nilesh Khalkho, CEO-Sharaf DGSharaf DG, the UAE's largest one-stop electronics shopping destination comments "We are extremely pleased to see that the government is taking pro-active and strong measures to curb the sale of counterfeit goods through a two-pronged approach of prosecution and fines for violators as well as educating the consumer about the huge drawbacks of buying fake goods. Consumers do not realize that part of the reason these goods are cheaper than the real thing is because they are badly made, and sometimes even dangerous. The customer pays a much higher price in the long run as they do not get any after sales service or guarantees if the product breaks down. In line with our corporate philosophy of keeping the customer's best interests in mind at all times, Sharaf DGSharaf DG offers a promise of 'Lowest Price Guarantee' which assures customers that the prices of all products sold at Sharaf DGSharaf DG are the same when compared with other hypermarkets and retail stores located in malls. This combats the customer's price concerns".

Buying electronic and IT products from unauthorized stores and distributors seems a lucrative decision as the prices may be cheaper than those available at authorized and reputed retail outlets. However it must be kept in mind that there are plenty of duplicate and fake goods being sold in 'popular' shopping streets and markets in Dubai which look quite identical to the original brands. The only way to ensure peace of mind and post purchase satisfaction is to buy from a genuine retailer where every product comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

On a macro level, consumers who buy counterfeit products are under the misconception that the counterfeiters are doing no harm and that they are getting a bargain. It in fact has a massive impact on both national and local economies by taking business away from the genuine businesses and eating into the already slim margins available to legitimate vendors, distributors and retailers. A lot of fake goods fund drug dealers and other organised crime - even terrorism and are putting local people out of jobs because genuine manufacturers can't compete with the criminals making and selling fakes. Economists estimate that the global trade in counterfeited goods is worth about £300 billion (AED 2,100 billion) a year.

-Ends-

About Sharaf DGSharaf DG:
Sharaf DGSharaf DG, a part of the Sharaf Group, is a whole new concept in Electronics Retailing in the UAE conceived to meet the growing demands of the discerning customer. The stores in Ibn Battuta Mall, Deira City Center and Times Square Center are designed to international standards is a benchmark in store sophistication and customer friendly design.

Sharaf DGSharaf DG is not just an electronics store, but a new lifestyle experience where customers can find the widest range of brands in the region across categories like Consumer Electronics, Home Entertainment, IT, Telecom, Home Appliances, Marine Electronics and much more.

For further information, please visit http://www.sharafdg.com

Media Contact:
Mr. Colin Saldanha
PR Consultant
OAK Consulting
Email: colin@oakconsulting.biz
Tel: +971506400762

© Press Release 2008 from OAK Consulting

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