Georgetown: The Guyana National Bureau of Standards joined with standards setting bodies today around the world to commemorate World Standards Day under the theme: “International Standards ensure positive Change.”
According to Ms. Evadnie Enniss, Executive Director (Ag), GNBS, as the world celebrates this important and significant occasion, time should be taken to reflect on the changes and benefits brought to the world because of the efforts of thousands of experts in the field of standardization who have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that positive change takes place in all of the world’s activities.
“I would concur with the three leading International Standards setting organisations (ISO, IEC and ITU) that given the benefits already received from the development and implementation of standards, that they are indispensable. Even though many of us do not realize it, standards govern every aspect of our lives. Standards also make it easier to understand and compare competing products. As standards are globally adopted and applied in many markets, they also fuel international trade.” Ms Enniss underscored.
She explained that it is only through the use of standards that the requirements of interconnectivity and interoperability can be assured. It is only through the application of standards that the credibility of new products and new markets can be verified. In summary, standards fuel the development and implementation of technologies that influence and transform the way we live, work and communicate.
Why standards?
International Standards ensure that products and services are safe, reliable and are of acceptable quality. For business, they are strategic tools which reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors and increase productivity. They help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries and facilitate free and fair global trade.
“Given all the benefits to be derived, GNBS takes this opportunity to encourage local businesses to try standardisation. We also urge local Businesses to capitalize on the technical assistance programmes being conducted by the Conformity Assessment Department of the GNBS to guide companies on their journey towards certification to international standards. Companies should also note that given the fierce competition by regional and international competitors for the limited markets, the sure method for gaining market share is by embracing and implementing standards. I also wish to encourage micro and small enterprises to be part of the process as there are no limitations such as size of company or quantity of resources that can preclude businesses from implementing standards if the will and effort are expended in this direction.” She said. “In this connection, I wish to inform Business Service Organisations that the existence of different national or regional standards can create technical barriers to trade and increase the cost of doing business but International Standards provide the technical basis on which political trade agreements can be put into practice, whether they are at the regional or international level. So, rather than reinventing the wheel, it is advisable to use international standards especially if the objective is to expand trade outside of Guyana.”
Finally, on this occasion of World Standards Day, “I wish to challenge Guyanese Businesses to go for standards and set themselves apart by producing quality products and services thus satisfying the needs of all consumers. They should use the popular maxim as their watchwords.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.