Allowing local products, services to thrive in global marketplace

WORLD STANDARDS Day 2018 presents another opportunity for us to acknowledge the value of standardised systems and processes to our lives, economy and even future developments in almost every sector.

Standards have played a key role in our advancement through several eras and will play an even bigger role now, given the speed of change and the ephemeral nature of the global environment in which we now operate. International standards, such as those created by the International Organization of Standardisation (ISO), assist innovators and entrepreneurs in ensuring compatibility and interoperability, guiding the entrance of their products and services into new markets and in turn, allows economies to thrive and leverage a rapidly changing global village.

On this occasion of World Standards Day, under the theme: ‘International Standards and the Fourth Industrial Revolution’, it is important that we also note the rapid pace of change brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its accompanying challenges.

One such challenge is the vulnerability of data that has arisen with digital interconnectivity and integration through smart technologies, cloud storage and open communications devices, among others. International Standards are invaluable in ensuring the safety and protection of this data.

I laud the efforts of the Bureau of Standards, towards promoting and monitoring Jamaica’s compliance and acceptance of international standards and wish for the agency and its stakeholders continued success.

AUDLEY SHAW, CD, MP Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture And Fisheries