National Quality Policy and Plan (NQP&P) Implementation Cell
Introduction
In the wake of GATT's dialogues and establishment of the WTO in 1995, the mode of international trade has undergone radical changes. Systems and structures to reduce tariff and technical barriers to trade are being established. The new multilateral trading system aims at promoting free and fair movement of goods and services which meet safety and quality standards of both local and foreign markets. The TBT & SPS agreement of WTO specifically emphasize the need for harmonizing the national quality infrastructure to reduce technical barriers to trade. These agreements also allow member states to take non-discriminatory steps necessary for meeting the requirements of environment, health and safety. These agreements have, thus, far-reaching effects on trade, environment, health and safety of human, plants and animal life. These agreements ensure the supply of safe and quality products and services in the market and provide immense opportunities of access to international market. Therefore, a strong National Quality & Regulatory Infrastructure is needed to fulfill the requirements of these agreements and international requirements of trade. Moreover, a strong National Quality Infrastructure is essential to control the widespread use of substandard products in the local market.
National Quality Policy & Plan
Realizing the requirements and urgency of the issue, the Cabinet approved the National Quality Policy & Plan (NQP&P) in November 2004, which envisages strengthening of the National Quality Infrastructure to meet international requirements that will achieve accelerated economic growth, export enhancement and ensure supply of safe and quality products in the local market at competitive prices. NQP&P consists of projects and programmes supporting industry, agriculture and service sectors to enhance their technological capabilities and competitiveness by complying to the international requirements of trade.
An investment of approximately Rs.10.00 billion is available and being utilized for various projects and programmes of NQP&P. An implementation Committee headed by the Minister for Science & Technology and comprising Secretaries of the relevant Ministries, representatives of the provincial departments and private sector oversee implementation of the NQP&P. An Implementation Cell of NQP&P is established within PNAC to coordinate implementation of the NQP&P.
Functions / Responsibilities of NQP&P Implementation Cell
To facilitate different executing agencies in formulation & implementation of programmes I schemes envisaged in the NQP&P.
Assist the implementation committee of NQP&P to prioritize the programmes I schemes as submitted by the stakeholders.
Assessment of the programmes, schemes, technical regulations, requirements of conformity assessment bodies etc before processing for approval of Government.
Monitoring and evaluation of all the programmes I schemes undertaken by the executing agencies after approval.
Identify and arrange expertise for evaluation of proposals, schemes, and studies.
Coordinate with regulators & assist in revision of technical regulations to incorporate requirements of conformity assessment to facilitate enforcement of the regulations.
Liaise with consumer associations and other stakeholders to make use of accredited conformity assessment schemes that will discourage the production and use of substandard products and services.
Liaise with donor agencies to support implementation of NQP&P.
Provide secretariat support to Implementation Committee of NQP&P.
For further information please contact:
Engr. Zaheer Ahmed Babar Executive Director Tel: 051-9208592, Fax: 051-9209510 E-mail: zababar@pnac.org.pk
Engr. Mangr. Mumtaz Anwar Director ID Tel:051-9222313 Fax: 051-9209510 Email: mumtaz@pnac.org.pk
Engr. Omer Qureshi Deputy Director ID Tel:051-9209508 Fax: 051-9209510 Email: omar@pnac.org.pk
