LAHORE - Federal Minister for Science & Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain has said that focus on standardisation will improve international competitiveness as fast changing global scenario has posed serious challenges for the developing economies like Pakistan.
He was speaking at the seminar on “Standards Build Trust” jointly organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) in connection with the World Standard Day.
On the occasion, the minister said that the Standards are playing a significant role in the global economy. He said that in line with the need of the time, the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) and its organisations, being the main components of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), are contributing significantly towards creating a quality consciousness in the manufacturing as well services sectors of Pakistan.
He said that much more is required to comprehend and adapt the standards and practices to the compelling needs of the competitive global market. Compliance and implementation of the standards at all possible levels helps make the best use of the scarcely available national material resources to achieve these objectives.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan's industry is in the process of adopting this culture. The Standards provide the backbone for day to day stability, they simultaneously make it possible to bring innovations and ideas to the market, he said. LCCI President Abdul Basit said that international standards for products and services underpin quality, ecology, safety, reliability, efficiency and effectiveness.
For this reason, standards should become integral components of our economic, social and legal systems. He said that in our own case, as the representative body of the private sector, “We carry this responsibility to make our members fully aware of its hidden benefits.” Standards assume even greater importance in facilitating international trade. On the contrary, the absence of accepted international standards greatly retards trade, he said.
Basit said, “We all need to understand that by expanding the ambit of standards in all the sectors of economy, we can create a win-win situation both for industry and consumers.” He said that the industry can enjoy the benefits of greater productivity at the least cost with unwavering confidence in terms of quality and reliability. On the other hand, the consumers can get best value for their money while having complete surety of their safe health and greater choices in goods and services, he said.
LCCI Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan said that awareness about standards and conformity assessment procedures contribute in a tangible way towards the improvement of consumer welfare as well as continuous growth and development of businesses. It also supplements to sustainable economic, social and cultural development.
PSQCA Director General Engineer Muhammad Khalid Siddiq said that Pakistani entrepreneurs must be remained vigilant about the development of international standards and practice involvement in the process. He said that PSQCA is providing a platform to the Pakistani industry to participate in the international standardisation activities. He said that PSQCA has developed a wide range of standards for products, services, health, safety and environment etc. These standards have been formulated in the light of parameters set by International Organisation for Standardisation.
