Strengthening Global Standards: BIS Roundtable Discussion
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently hosted a significant roundtable discussion aimed at enhancing collaboration in standardization with nations from Africa and Latin America. This high-level event attracted Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and representatives from over 25 countries, alongside officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Consumer Affairs. The gathering underscored the importance of international cooperation in establishing and harmonizing standards that facilitate trade and ensure product safety.
Leadership and Commitment to Standardization
The discussions were led by Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, and Mr. Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS. They were joined by senior officials from the Bureau, who contributed their insights on the role of standardization in global trade. Smt. Khare highlighted the comprehensive standards ecosystem developed by BIS, which plays a crucial role in ensuring product quality and safety. She emphasized that harmonizing standards is vital for strengthening international trade and enhancing quality infrastructure.
Smt. Khare also pointed out that BIS has been actively involved in international standardization efforts. The organization has participated in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) at both technical and governance levels. With over 70 years of experience in standardization, BIS is well-positioned to lead initiatives that promote compatibility, safety, and quality across borders. This commitment reflects India’s dedication to fostering a robust global standardization framework.
Capacity-Building Initiatives for Developing Nations
During the roundtable, Smt. Khare discussed BIS’s capacity-building programs designed for developing countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. To date, 30 African nations and 10 Latin American countries have benefited from these initiatives. These programs aim to share knowledge and best practices in standardization, helping countries enhance their own frameworks.
BIS has also established Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with several countries to facilitate ongoing collaboration. These agreements promote knowledge-sharing and the exchange of expertise, allowing developing nations to adopt proven standards without the need to start from scratch. Smt. Khare reiterated BIS’s commitment to extending cooperation to any interested country, offering support on standardization principles and sector-specific matters.
Infrastructure Development and Safety Codes
A significant aspect of the discussions was BIS’s role in developing comprehensive codes for the National Building Code (NBC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC). These codes are essential for ensuring safe and sustainable infrastructure development. Smt. Khare emphasized that for developing countries with limited resources, adopting Indian standards through harmonization can be a practical solution. This approach allows nations to benefit from the extensive experience and expertise that BIS has cultivated over the years.
The representatives from African and Latin American countries expressed their appreciation for BIS’s efforts and support. They encouraged more collaborative programs with National Standards Bodies (NSBs) to strengthen their own standardization frameworks. This mutual interest in cooperation highlights the potential for enhanced partnerships that can lead to improved standards and practices across regions.
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