The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is taking steps to improve
product quality and increase Pakistan’s exports. Director General Dr. Syeda Zia Batool said the
authority is encouraging businesses to manufacture quality products and increase the supply of
goods for international markets.

She shared these views during a meeting with business representatives at the Faisalabad
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI). She said PSQCA is working to introduce standards
for different products and improve existing standards. Recommendations for updating outdated
standards will soon be presented to the federal cabinet for approval.

Dr. Syeda Zia Batool explained that one of the main responsibilities of PSQCA is to guide
people and provide facilities related to product quality standards. However, she said this area
had not received enough attention in the past.

She announced that a joint awareness seminar would be organized during the last week of
November. The seminar will help businesses and the public understand the importance of
product standards and quality control.

She also said PSQCA is working to digitalize its services and improve its working processes. A
new testing laboratory will also be established in Faisalabad. This facility will help businesses
get their products tested more quickly.

The director general asked relevant business representatives to share their recommendations
about product standards. She said their suggestions would help the authority complete the
approval process.

She also appreciated the proposal to move the PSQCA local office back to the Faisalabad
Chamber Complex. She asked the local head of the authority Zakaullah to submit a formal
proposal for approval.

During the meeting, she explained that some product testing services could be outsourced to
private laboratories. This arrangement could also allow private laboratories to conduct tests for
lithium batteries and other products.

She assured the business community that PSQCA would establish a help desk and appoint a
focal person to address their complaints and problems.

Earlier, FCCI Senior Vice President Mian Muhammad Saeed stressed the need to digitalize the
authority’s services. He said the proposed laboratory would benefit industrialists in Faisalabad
and nearby districts. He also offered support for shifting the PSQCA office to the Chamber
Complex and suggested finding space for the laboratory in M-3 Industrial City.

The meeting ended with a question-and-answer session. Mian Muhammad Saeed also
presented an honorary shield to Dr. Syeda Zia Batool on behalf of the Faisalabad Chamber of
Commerce and Industry.

Source: Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI)

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