September 13, 2002	Friday	Rajab 5, 1423

LAHORE, Sept 12: The government has decided to set up a Pakistan Compliance Initiative Board (PCIB) to facilitate exporters, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in meeting such international social compliance standards as ISO-9000, ISO-14000 and SA-8000.

The PCIB is being established on the initiative of the private sector to tackle the environment, labour, and other such issues that exporters could face in the world market.

The board will consist of representatives of exporters of carpets, textiles, surgical instruments, sports goods, readymade garments, hosiery, bedwear, etc. Moreover, the ministries of labour, commerce, interior and environment would also be represented on the board.

The announcement was made by Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood at a press conference held here on Thursday after a meeting with the stakeholders.

He said the board would create awareness among the exporters, especially the SMEs, about the importance of attaining social compliance standards in the post-WTO world after abolition of quota system in 2005 as well as facilitate buyers as it would have a strong database of the certified companies.

Mr Razak said the government would take steps to encourage the private companies to attain internationally recognized social compliance certification to stay in the world market.

He said the abolition of quota would trigger intense competition for which exporters would have to improve the quality of their goods, become competitive, and comply with the international social standards.

“It is imperative that Pakistani companies bring their exportable production up to the recognized international standards to stay in business as the buyers would do business only with those who comply with their social standards. Lack of certification can lead to decline in exports and also prove to be a non-tariff barrier against the Pakistani goods,” the minister added.