QCI will accreditate companies to facilitate trade

New Delhi, Jan 28: Quality Control of India (QCI) has said it will facilitate the trade links between different countries of the world by accreditating more and more companies in the near future and hence will achieve the target of a developed economy in respect of quality by 2020.

''Indian companies are facing increasing competition from global players and there is a manifold increase in the importance of standards and conformity assessment in international trade, which not only means Indian industry has to meet stringent standards of health and safety for access to international market but also in driving domestic standards to international levels,'' QCI Secretary General Girdhar J Gyani told UNI.

If once a product gets accreditated from QCI, the barriers in the export markets are minimised, he said.

Besides, QCI will also be promoting quality in public, health and education services.

In the health care sector, till now it has accreditated two hospitals and about 40 hospitals have already applied for accreditation.

''Along with the industrial progress, we need to match the improvement in our services. Without progress in this area, we cannot have an overall economic development,'' Mr Gyani opined.

The recent initiatives taken by the Government to introduce IS 15700:2005, standard for quality management systems in public services will open avenues for certification bodies, consultants and training organisations, he added.

With a motive to reach the international benchmark, QCI has signed MoUs with Australian and American accreditated bodies.

''We will exchange clinical data, experts to enable ourselves to stand in the international market'', Mr Gyani said.

Meanwhile, the body will be emphasising small and medium entreprises in the five-year plan and will be working for their promotion.

In this direction, more than 30,000 companies have been accreditated till now. The forthcoming annual quality conclave to be held here on February 9-10 organised by QCI, will focus on the blueprint for India to become a developed economy in respect of quality by 2020.

The conclave will be inaugurated by President A P J Abdul Kalam and will be attended by speakers and participants from Bahrain, Iran, Korea, Mauritius and Thailand, etc.

About 400 delegates are expected to attend the conclave.

QCI is an autonomous non-profit organisation set up jointly by the Government of India and Indian industry chambers such as Assocham, CII and FICCI.

It is the apex national accreditation council to be the custodian of all accreditations for conformity assessment.

It is governed by a council of 31 members with equal representation of Government, industry and consumers. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister's Office.

UNI