Saarc common standard to strengthen trade
Say speakers
Introduction of “Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Common Standards” will strengthen further the regional economy by removing existing technical barriers to expand trade and commerce, speakers told a seminar here yesterday.
In addition, Bangladesh would benefit if an identical standard system is introduced for South Asian nations, they said.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and industries ministry jointly organised the seminar on “Experiences of developing South African and African quality and conformity assessment infrastructure: Lessons for Bangladesh”, held at the ministry's conference room.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua attended the function as the chief guest. International expert and UNIDO Technical Advisor Dr Franz Hengstberger presented the keynote paper with the ministry Secretary KH Masud Siddiqui in the chair.
The ministry Additional Secretary ABM Khorshed Alam, UNIDO Chief Technical Advisor David Holbourne and BSTI Director General AK Fazlul Ahad took part.
Speakers said law-enforcing services related to implementation of legal metrology and conducting mobile courts should be given to an independent organisation.
Meanwhile, BSTI would conduct technical services like testing the standard of commodities, examination, preservation and development, helping to protect consumer rights, they said.
Introduction of Saarc common standards in light with South African experiences will strengthen socio economic development through industrialisation, they observed.
The speakers also said African system may also be useful for Bangladesh to initiate the required changes to earn international recognition in testing, certification, inspection and conformity assessment to facilitate trade and industrialisation.
Industries minister said modern, transparent, efficient and dependable management is needed to ensure sustainable industrialisation in Bangladesh.
He said Bangladesh is lagging behind in modern standard management despite remarkable growth in its industrial sector due to prudent policy of the past government.
Dilip stressed on time-befitting reform of existing laws and regulations to get international recognition for Bangladesh products. In this respect, he urged all concerned to forget about small individual and institutional interest, giving priority to greater national interest.
He said the present government is working hard to make BSTI a modern standard institution to ensure supply of standard products both at local and international markets while ensuring rights of consumers.
Experts from home and abroad including the EU, NORAD, FAO, BSTI, Bangladesh Accreditation Board and leaders of different leading chambers also took part in the discussion.
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