Framework review
A REVIEW of the National Standards Body has been undertaken by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism to modernise the legislation and to enable it to be more responsive and adaptive to the fast changing market needs.
Speaking at the World Standards Day at the Grand Pacific Hotel Suva on Monday, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism permanent secretary Shaheen Ali said they were working on developing the appropriate standards through the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards.
He said the standards development over the years had been mainly to support the needs of the moment.
“It has been noted that over the years, there has been lack of foresight and forward planning. However, this has been corrected.
“With the endorsement of the Cabinet, the ministry is now working on the review of the legislative framework for standards development in Fiji.
“This change is to modernise the legislation and to enable it to be more responsive and adaptive to the fast changing market needs,” Mr Ali said.
Mr Ali said their objective of celebrating World Standards Day was to raise awareness of the importance of standards to the Fijian economy, especially in this rapidly changing world.
According to Mr Ali, with the review of the legislation, there are a number of other reforms that will be undertaken to make the department more proactive when developing standards.
“A clear action plan will be developed to enhance awareness on standards and encourage more and more industries to accept the minimum standards as their benchmark.
“There will be increased collaboration and consultation with the industry players and relevant stakeholders to develop priority areas for standardisation and incorporate it in the overall action plan.”
He said each year, the World Standards Day theme was based on issues of global importance, whether it was to do with consumer safety or information or to do with international trade.
This year, the theme is “Video standards create global stage”.