Equip ‘testing labs’ with modern tech for int’l accreditation: DCCI

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Rizwan Rahman has urged the government to equip ‘testing labs’ with modern technology so that Bangladesh’s accreditation is accepted by the international community.

“Quality certificates issued by local labs to the export products like leather, jute and jute goods, plastic, frozen food and other exportable items should be endorsed by the accreditation board so that these certifications are accepted by the global authorities concerned,” he said.

Rizwan made the call at a seminar at DCCI Auditorium on the occasion of World Accreditation Day-2022 jointly organised by DCCI and Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) on Sunday.

He also urged the government to implement advanced learning in the industrial sector and emphasized strong collaboration with the international accreditation and quality assurance agencies to enhance business competitiveness in this changing business environment.

BAB Director General Md Monwarul Islam said for safe food and services quality assurance in every aspects of supply chain is inevitable.

Besides, coordination, cooperation and mutual assistance among the institutions involved in quality infrastructure are stressed.

Presenting the keynote paper there, Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Imdadul Hoque said geographically Bangladesh is situated in a vulnerable area. “Safe products, services and quality assurance are much needed for us.”

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said internationally accredited and reliable national accreditation infrastructure is crucial for strengthening export of local products and services.

For that reason, a quality accreditation infrastructure ecosystem has been established by the government.

“As a part of it, efficiency of BAB has also been improved a lot and BAB is now well equipped to provide necessary accreditation,” he added.

The minister said the government is also considering formulation of a national quality policy.

State Minister for the ministry Kamal Ahmed Mojumder said the world had accepted the concept of sustainable economic development for a secured future.

“We have to meet the growing demand of the present situation to leave a better liveable world for the next generation. Accreditation is very much important for implementation of SDG,” he added.

Kamal also said consumers’ satisfaction, confidence and export development are very important for economic progress.

Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana emphasised adequate accreditation infrastructure for the sake of export competitiveness. Quality accreditation helps enhance international export.

“If we can ensure accreditation for our local products in this country, that will expedite export earning as well as reduce cost and time,” she observed.