ZABS to learn from ASTM International

By MAILESI BANDA

THE Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) says there is need for them to learn from ASTM International on how they can improve standards of Zambian products to trade on the international market.

ZABS, executive director, Manuel Mutale said there were a number of standard bodies that the institution will engage in order to learn from them.

Mr. Mutale was speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing two day’s workshop on standards to support the Unites States of America and Zambia trade investment opportunities in Lusaka yesterday.

He said during the workshop opportunities in the energy transport and agriculture sector will be discussed and how products in the sector can access markets.

“As ZABS we hope to set up standards and conformity assessment systems that will be support the agriculture energy and transport sector in Zambian and enable the products gain access into the American market,” he said.

He explained that ZABS has some lessons to learn from the way ASTM structures its programmes in America adding that local regulators will also have an opportunity to learn on how they can improve regulation and be able to enhance monitoring mechanisms.

Mr. Mutale said it is important for ZABS to be informed on how standards can be improved for them to get onto the American market.

“We will be asking ASTM on what it will take for the Zambian produced product to be able to access the American market?

“What is it that we are failing to do as a country to get to those standards and we hope by the end of the workshop the Zambian standards will be able to meet the demand,” he said.

He said that ZABS is working towards formulating standards that will be recognised and be accepted in other countries.