SIALKOT, Dec 4: The National Accreditation Council of Norway has extended affiliation to the CPC test laboratory as Pakistan’s first-ever internationally recognised lab.

An accreditation certificate award ceremony was held at a local hotel under the auspices of Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PGMEA) here on Monday.

Addressing the participants, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) chief executive Tariq Ikram said the lab would provide maximum opportunities to local exporters to get their leather products tested as per international standards instead of approaching USA and UK.

He said results of the lab would be recognised globally.

He said the Cleaner Production Centre (CPC) technologies now had become vital for competing in world markets.

Punjab Industries Minister Muhammad Ajmal Cheema said efforts of local businessmen for recognition had borne fruit after 10 years. CPC project director Shujauddin Siddique said the lab had a capacity of conducting 16 tests of leather products and 13 of water used in tanneries.

Earlier, Tariq Ikram and Ajmal Cheema visited the lab at CPC.