The Secretary of National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), Dr Tariq Ur Rahman, has invited proposals focusing on new policy directions, plans, programs and strategies needed in the current national global scenario for the 4th meeting of NCST to be held in Islamabad. The Prime Minister, who heads the commission, might convene the meeting at a short notice.
Proposals have been invited from NCST members of the Commission relating to (a) developing a strong national science & technology (S&T) system and enhancing national capacity, (b) promotion and development of S&T, required for accelerated economic growth and national security, and (c) integration of national S&T effort with the socio-economic development plans and programs.
Engr M A Jabbar, Chairman of Site Association of Industry (SAI), who has recently been nominated as member of NCST, in his proposals sent to Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, the designated secretariat of NCST, has suggested that 'mutually recognised agreements' (MRAs) should be encouraged to be signed so that the future trading of the country's goods become easier for outward flow.
MRAs would be welcome by other countries as they would have equal opportunity while exporting their products to Pakistan. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), through Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and in association with Pakistan Council of Science & Technology (PCST) as monitor, should activate itself for striking the MRAs so that the 'technical barriers to trade' (TBTs) are removed for improving the economy.
He has talked about the role of national standards bodies to develop national standards in harmony with international standards and strengthening of PSQCA. The Authority has been assigned very important functions about standards development, conformity assessment and allied matters. However, due to structural weakness it lacks necessary acumen to fulfil its statutory function in a befitting manner.
Moreover, the indifferent attitude of the government to provide necessary administrative and legal cover and support dampen its efforts. For the past several years, PSQCA has been giving proposals for the purpose of carrying out obligations under PSQCA Act and promote standards culture in the country besides encouraging quality exports from the country. Regrettably, the Ministry of Commerce always turned a deaf ear to PSQCA proposals.
For the success of industry in making any mark in the world market, it is imperative that the forthcoming policy must suggest necessary steps to strengthen PSQCA to achieve its intended objectives. The entire program of Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) needs to be put under scrutiny as to its eventual needs for economy of the country.
The appraisement of the same would be helpful in making the strategy commensurate with the ongoing changes in the global trade, dominated by world trading system under World Trade Organisation (WTO). Engr Jabbar has emphasised that laboratories in industrial estates should be established. Normally, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are hostage of knowledge constraint and they need to understand the nature of the materials used in the import products, which could be easily produced in Pakistan with available capacity.
His other suggestions relate to import trade regulations; nominees of MoST on all the boards/advisory councils/committees related to development of economy, MoST/PCST should have nominees on all the syndicates of universities at large and in specific at the universities of sciences and technology/engineering. MoST/PCST: As the Ministry of Commerce conducts the domestic trade and external trade and is a very important ministry endeavouring for promotion of economy, and hence science and technology, and its policy integration would be necessary for vertical takeoff.
Another important proposal relate to Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO): The intellectual property rights of WTO have placed a demand on Pakistan to manifest the trust of obligations to be taking place in Pakistan. IPO should also have a nominee from MoST/PCST so that the deliberations in the boards/meetings could pick up some information, which could become basis of policy formulation and facilitation for the local industry.
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