ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: The European Union is providing an assistance to facilitate Pakistan's integration into the world economy through the Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) programme.

Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce Yasin Tahir said this while speaking at a seminar on accreditation organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) and Experts Advisory Cell (EAC) co-sponsored the seminar.

Mr Tahir said liberalization of trade encouraged by the WTO agreements was likely to contribute to industrial and export growth. He said the goods that were likely to be most affected by the WTO regime were products of critical importance to Pakistan such as natural resources-based products, leather and leather products, textiles and clothing.

He said the strengthening of metrology standards and testing and quality infrastructure was necessary for industrial progress and prosperity of a country. The standards, testing, calibration and accreditation are the main components of this infrastructure and government has established Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), PNAC and National Physical and Standards Laboratory (NPSL) to provide MSTQ services in the country, he added.

Yasin said Pakistan was a member of WTO that provided opportunities to the developing countries to increase their trade at the international level. This can only be done if they provide products conforming to international standards with recognition of their quality for integration into the world economy, he added.

Speaking at the closing session, Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology Khawaja Zaheer Ahmed said Pakistan in its development and industrialization process will need to focus on the technical infrastructure required to support the local industries for competing at home and abroad.

In this connection, he said, application and certification to ISO 9000 quality management systems would provide a competitive advantage in the global market. The process of accreditation brings with it value-added services in strengthening the competitive edge of Pakistan's enterprises internationally, he added.

Zaheer said the EU and the Government of Pakistan worked together, with collaboration arrangements initiated by UNIDO for the Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) programme, towards technological development in the country. Chief Technical Advisor Zawdu Felleke presented the welcome address. John Gilmour, a consultant presented the history of accreditation in the world.