It gives me immense pleasure that Pakistan Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is celebrating World Standards Day in befitting manner. Each year on 14th October we celebrate world Standards day. The day is auspicious to us and reminds us to pay tribute to the collaborative efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide who contribute to develop standards.
Standards help to run our life in efficient way. Standards make our life easier and comfortable. Standards make cities smarter; this year's theme of World Standards Day is relevant to us. Several Mega cities are located in our region. Urbanization is one of the challenges in our region and international standards can help to make them smarter. Making cities smarter simply means making the cities more productive while preserving the quality life of its habitants. Developing smarter cities are complex as it interfaces many aspects and dimensions. This can be articulated through the application of multiple standards.
As the standardization evolves in 21st Century, the standards on topics like digitalization, Industry 4.0 are emerging; South Asia should also move to develop such standards. In these circumstances collaboration among SAARC members should be enhanced. Similarly in international standardization forum also SAARC countries should co-operate each other so that it can defend its regional interest. Regional approach can be instrumental to place voice of 1.7 billion people loudly in international forum. South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) would like to play of pivotal role for the purpose.
Finally, in the occasion of World Standards Day, I would like to commend the efforts of Pakistan to develop SAARC Standards. Pakistan's contribution in developing SAARC standards is substantial whether it is hosting of TC meetings or technical contribution. SARSO TMB Chair Pakistan has significant role to play for boosting the quality and quantity of Standards. I also extend my solidarity in observing world standards day to PSQCA and people of Pakistan.