Outline two functions of each of the following.
(a) Trade Association
(b) Consumer Association
(c) Customs Authority
(d) Manufacturer’s Association
(e) Chamber of Commerce.
Explanation
(a) Functions of Trade association are:
(i) It exchanges Creditors information among members.
(ii) It protects interest of its members.
(iii) It creates uniform method of dealing in the particular trade.
(iv) It settles disputes within the trade associations.
(v) It establishes a link between the government and the association in order to protect the interest of its members.
(vi) It negotiates as a body with trade union on rates of pay and conditions of service.
(vii) It educates the members.
(b). Functions of consumer association are:
(i) It educates consumers on their rights.
(ii) It ensures that consumers buy the right quality of goods and services.
(iii) It ensures correct specification in terms of volume and weight of goods on sale to consumers.
(iv) It ensures that fair prices are charged.
(c) Functions of customs authority are:
(i) It prevents smuggling.
(ii) It collects customs duties.
(iii) It enforces ban on prohibited goods.
(iv) It supervises import and export trade.
(v) It collects information on international trade.
(vi) It supervises bonded warehouses.
(d) Functions of manufacturer's association are:
(i) It sponsors members on trade missions abroad.
(ii) It informs members on developments in the country.
(iii) It ensures that members operate according to their professional ethics.
(iv) It protects the interest of members.
(v) It ensures the quality of service rendered to the public by members is of acceptable standard.
(vi) It informs members on latest developments in the industry
(i) It organizes trade fairs.
(ii) It promotes home and foreign trade.
(iii) It watches the administration of government laws to prevent injury to commercial interests.
(iv) It collects and disseminates information on all subjects likely to be of interest to the members.
(v) It co-operates with both domestic and foreign chambers of commerce.