Prof. Thomas said, 'there will be a costumer premium for ethical practices and prompt redressal of grievance. The industry itself certifying business as consumer-just could be the best option here. There cannot be anything better than self-regulation.' The Minister urged the FICCI to explore the working of the national project on up-gradation of weights and measures.

Referring to the slogan of the US Better Business Bureau “ Start with Trust” Prof. Thomas stated that this slogan is very true and may be even more desired in Indian circumstances today. He said, 'disruption of that trust especially in the financial industry lies at the root of our troubles in the global slowdown affecting millions of Indians and other nationalities. Our robust recovery which is already a fact must also build on the lost trust with the consumers.'

Observing that customer focus or consumer-centrism is a much overstated and under acted idea in the Indian scene, Prof. Thomas stressed on restoring both consumer centrism and government's responsibility to see that consumer rights are protected and guaranteed without stifling innovation and proverbial bottom-line profits. He asked the FIICI-Alliance for consumer care for promoting good and responsible practice to create a new brand of consumer friendly business.

The Minister said that the time is ripe for learning about best practices abroad. He also called for replicating the good models of the Better Business Bureau of the US and Canada. Prof Thomas said, 'together we must rewrite the old story of the dishonest businessman to that of an honest, ethical and caring new age businessman. It is not that Indian businessman is wanting in human values. However, in a democracy many times image rules and object rests. Indian businessman must be a brand ambassador of exemplary good business practices across the globe.'