Ministry of Science &
Technology has placed the evolvement of a credible standards and quality
control system in the country among its top-most priorities. The
motive is to assist the industrial/production sector in increasing
exports, through enhance awareness about quality/standards system and
adopt modern technology. Ministry of Science & Technology will
closely coordinate with Ministry of Commerce and Industries to evolve a
system which is best suited to the country.
This was stated by
Federal Minister for Science & Technology Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman while
co-chairing a meeting here today with Federal Minister for Commerce Mr.
Abdul Razzak Dawood to decide about ways and means to use science and
technology for economic development.
The meeting was also
attended by Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmed,
Adviser to the Chief Executive, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce,
Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production, Secretary, S&TR
Division, Chairman, Export Promotion Bureau, Chairman, PCSIR, Chairman,
Pakistan Science Foundation, Adviser, Ministry of Science &
Technology etc.
Federal Minister for
Industries and Commerce, Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood said there is an
immense need to propagate with industrial sector the dire need to adopt
standards. He emphasized that in future as the WTO agreements will
be implemented strictly, the country will lose in terms of export
revenues if international standards are not followed.
Prof. Atta pointed out
that Pakistani export should conform to the products and management
quality standards by seeking laboratory accreditation so as to remain
competitive in the international market. Ministry of science and
Technology has established Pakistan National Accreditation Council which
has launched a laboratory accreditation scheme to enlighten the
exporters and local suppliers about the requirements for meeting quality
standards in accordance with demands of the foreign buyers.
Addressing the meeting
Prof. Atta said Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a large share
in the industrial setup in the country. Therefore in order to
enhance the industrial growth the productivity of industrial sector
particularly Small & Medium Enterprises, will be increased, for
which necessary technological assistance/inputs will be provided by the
government.
He said Ministry
has launched a plan to integrate IT with Industries. Under the
plan Industries will provide the hardware while government will provide
funds for software development. He asked the Commerce
Minister to provide guidelines to MOST as to how to proceed in the
project.
The meeting discussed
ways and means for enhancement in industrial productivity change in
PSQAC Act VI, 96 etc. It was pointed out that Pakistan loses
approximately Rs.450 billion per year due to poor quality of products
and wastages. A committee of officers from Ministry of
Science and Technology and Ministry of Commerce has been set up to make
recommendations about adopting standards and other related issues.
