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 and Industry and Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) in connection with the World Standard Day.
LCCI President Abdul Basit, Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan, DG PSQC Engr. Muhammad Khalid Siddiq, former president of Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association Arif Qasim, Director Punjab Consumer Protection Council Aamir Zamir, Tariq Sarwar, Manager Cooperate Regulatory and Scientific Affairs NESTLE Pakistan Shahzad Skindar also spoke on the occasion while former LCCI office-bearers and Executive Committee Members were also present on the occasion.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said that 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 organizations, 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.
The minister 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 was confident that Pakistan’s industry is in the process of adopting this culture. More efficient industrial and business processes, facilitated by standards, empower companies to compete globally and produce quality products, as per International Standards at much lesser cost. Standards provide the backbone for day to day stability, they simultaneously make it possible to bring innovations and ideas to the market.
LCCI President Abdul Basit in his remarks 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. Therefore, standardization plays an important role in enhancing trade and building trust. Abdul Basit said that 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. 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 that there was a dire need to give awareness to the business community in general and the exporters in particular about the importance of standardisation in doing business with the outer world. He said that the PSQCA is doing the needful through a network of offices and the businessmen should avail their expertise.
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 GeneralEngr. 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 Organization for Standardization.
