The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division (CCCP) in the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai will launch a business classification index based on consumer-friendliness during the second half of 2012.

The index aims at improving service quality and competitiveness for stronger relations with consumers, and protecting their rights in line with DED’s strategic objective to enhance the ease of doing business.

“The classification is based on four key criteria: the number of complaints received from consumers against a business establishment (20 per cent), the time taken by the business to resolve complaints within four working days (20 per cent), the product pricing in the business establishment in comparison with competitors (20 per cent), and customer satisfaction levels (40 per cent),” Omar Bushahab, chief executive of CCCP, said in a statement to Khaleej Times on Tuesday.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate of Dubai. DED and its agencies develop economic plans and policies, identify and support the growth of strategic sectors, and provide services to domestic and international investors and businesses.

“The business classification index will focus on a number of key sectors such as automotive and electronics along with major retailers in Dubai. The index specifically targets to classify businesses that have a substantial stake in the local market so as to benefit the maximum number of consumers,” added Bushahab.

The Department of Economic Development will hold introductory workshops with the owners of companies and establishments covered by the classification to introduce the criteria, and elicit their views in order to make the process as accurate and comprehensive as possible. The final results of the classification will be announced during the last quarter of 2012.

“CCCP is co-ordinating with a specialised international company for the development and supervision of the index to keep the classification process independent and transparent. Businessmen and shop owners covered by the classification will benefit from this process as they will have a reliable benchmark to work towards achieving the highest degree of service quality and customer satisfaction,” said Mohammad Lootah, deputy chief executive of CCCP.