Speakers at a seminar have emphasised standardising accreditation and certification authorities in compliance with the international standards for better acceptance of Bangladeshi products in the global market.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) jointly organised the seminar at the DCCI Auditorium in the city on Sunday, marking the 'World Accreditation Day 2022'.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun addressed the event as the chief guest while State Minister for the same ministry Kamal Ahmed Mojumder, Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana, Director General of BAB Md Monwarul Islam, Jagannath University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Imdadul Haque and DCCI President Rizwan Rahman also spoke at the programme.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said that product testing labs in the country should be well-equipped with modern technology so that accreditation is accepted in the world market.
Internationally accredited and reliable national accreditation infrastructure is crucial for strengthening export of local products and services, he said.
For that reason, the government has enacted Bangladesh Accreditation Act, 2006 and established Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) for a quality accreditation infrastructure ecosystem, he mentioned.
The minister said the government is also considering formulation of a national quality policy.
State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Mojumder said that the world has accepted the concept of sustainable economic development for a secured future.
Emphasising the need for enhancing the technological advancement and reliability of accreditation authority, he said accreditation is very much important for implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) apart from better performance in the export market.
Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) is now an efficient institution but it should be strengthened more to gain consumers' satisfaction, confidence and export development, he added.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said BAB's endorsement to the quality certificates issued by the local labs to the export items like leather, jute and jute goods, plastic, frozen food and other exportable items is required for acceptance of those products internationally.
To do so, knowledge development of different industrial sectors about quality certification of their respective products is also crucial, he said.
He also urged strong collaboration of local accreditation and certification authorities with the international accreditation and quality assurance agencies to enhance business competitiveness of local companies in a global context.
Industries Secretary Ms Sultana emphasised having adequate accreditation infrastructure for the sake of the country's export competitiveness.
She said, "Due to unplanned industrialisation worldwide and massive economic activities, we can see a negative impact on climate change where Bangladesh is of no difference."
Under such circumstances, if the country is able to comply with the accreditation process for both goods and services, it will help ensure a better liveable world for the next generation, she added.
In his speech, BAB Director General Md Monwarul Islam called for better coordination, cooperation and mutual assistance among the institutions involved in quality infrastructure in the country.
Prof Imdadul Haque said BAB was established in 2006 and in phases this institution has been well-equipped with modern technologies but to make the country more competitive in the global market, further improvement is needed.
ahb_mcj2009@yahoo.com