Govt. says standards and quality assurance can enhance economic development

–Government has observed that successful implementation of standards and quality assurance of Zambian products can contribute to the growth of the manufacturing industry.

Acting Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Cathy Mkala said effective implementation of standards will translate into tangible benefits and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

Ms. Mkala said this during the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and Ndola Lime Company dissemination workshop on lime standards in Lusaka today.

She outlined some of the benefits of implementing standards as facilitation of trade both local and export, resolution of disputes in procurement and enhancement of the quality of products and services.

Ms. Mkala said Government remains committed to the development and implementation of standards as contained in the recent approved and published National Quality Policy (NQP).

She stated that the policy spells out re-engineering and smooth running of the country’s quality infrastructure including standardisation, quality assurance, accreditation and metrology.

Ms. Mkala commended Ndola Lime Company for working hard towards recapitalisation of the company aimed at expanding its operations to meet market demand in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other neighboring countries.

Earlier, Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) Director Manuel Mutale disclosed that his organisation has engaged over 260 experts who are currently working on formulating various national standards.

Mr. Mutale implored industries to consider partnering with ZABS in ensuring that their products meet minimum standards and quality assurance if their products are to compete favourably both on the local and international market.