ISLAMABAD, Aug 21: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Liaqat Ali Jatoi has said the first consultancy body for ISO certification - National Quality Consultants (NQC) - is being formally launched shortly to meet the quality and environmental standards under WTO regime.

Mr Jatoi stated this while launching the new services and certificate distribution ceremony of Experts Advisory Cell (EAC)-WTO, Industry and Trade Related Services and National Quality Management Services here on Saturday.

The minister said that the idea behind the inception of NQC was to facilitate the public/private sector in the matter related to the implementation of quality, environment and management system.

He said the NQC would also play a special role to fulfil corporate customer demanding certification of SMEs. "It can be used as an effective instrument in reducing manufacturing cost and ultimately the consumer price," the minister added.

The number of ISO 9000 certified companies stood at 27,000 in 1993 and now this increased to 350,000 worldwide, growing at the rate of 25 per cent per annum.

But in case of Pakistan, the minister said, unfortunately the number of ISO certified companies fell to 1,800 from 3,000 as most of companies were not applying for re-certification, which is mandatory after every three years.

To comply with non-tariff regulations, the minister said, "we require a well-established network of certified and accredited laboratories so that our products are effectively tested before entry into international markets."

"We should do away with the myths and misconception surrounding the WTO multilateral trading system, educate the industry and business community about the its benefits and the legal instruments available under this system to protect our industry."

The minister also underlined the need for preparation of long-term polices as well as its continuation and proper implementation.