Nouraiz urges early implementation of National Quality Policy
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—There is a dire need to implement National Quality Policy and Plan (NQPP) to ensure supply of quality goods and services, said Minister for Science and Technology, Nouraiz Shakoor Khan Friday.
A large number of substandard products affecting health and safety of consumers are being sold in the market, he said while chairing policy implementation committee meeting here at Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC).
He said the new multilateral trading system aims at promoting free and fair movement of goods and services which meet meeting safety and quality standards and are available at competitive prices.
Such a trade environment provides immense opportunities of access to international market and at the same time poses threats to export and local production, if international requirements are not met, he added.
He said realizing the importance, the government approved the National Quality Policy & Plan to face new challenge of trade and ensure health and safety of the consumers.
Nouraiz Shakoor said its implementation plan is oriented towards making our economy competitive on the international market and ensuring consumers health and safety.
The NQPP has identified a number of programs including review of existing regulations considered outdated in most of the cases and bringing them in line with present requirements of consumers, strengthening enforcement of technical regulations, up gradation of accreditation, metrology, standardization and certification infrastructure, he said.