14th October, is observed by member countries of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) as the World Standard's Day for creating awareness about standards & quality of products & services amongst the stakeholders ie manufacturers and consumers etc; many countries of the world, including Pakistan, take part in the event.
It is indeed reassuring that the PSQCA, the Apex standards body, has the plans to make it a success.
This year's topic "Standards for safer world" is of great relevance for the country in general, and for the institutions responsible to actualise that in particular. It is a matter of great pleasure for me to note that the PSQCA is focusing on consumer awareness, to establish Liaison Offices in near future to promote capacity building. This small, but significant, step will enhance transparency in the process of standardisation and ensure effective participation of the stakeholders, to lend credibility to the product certification, both under voluntary and compulsory schemes.
It is also satisfying to know that Quality Assessment and System Certification Organisation by the name of "Pakistan Certification Body" is being set up by the PSQCA, in tendam with Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. That shall institutionalise public-private partnership, in line with the best international practices.
This will be a significant step for gaining access to local and foreign markets, to effectively help meet the challenges in the aftermath of the WTO regime. It shall enable local industry to compete in quality, to evolve a system that adheres to the national and international standards, as a part of quality assurances.
Following "the customer is always right", our aim is therefore to satisfy their requirements, to ensure that our goods and services command respect all over the world.