Benchmarking on international standards

Harmonization and mutual acceptance of each other's standards constitute an important element for regional integration in SAARC. The subject of standards is, therefore of high priority to SAARC Chamber (in which FCCISL is a primary member), and the business community as increasing cross border trade in SAARC and future FTA in the region would seek regional uniformity and harmonization in industrial, technical, environmental and social standards prevailing in the region. Furthermore, harmonized standards based on international standards would provide competitive advantage in global trade share of SAARC.

Sri Lanka has the honour of holding the office of the President SCCI and has formulated a comprehensive activity plan and schedule to enhance the objectives of the SCCI and having identified the importance of system of standards and quality control in the international trade, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), the apex business organization of SAARC are jointly organizing the Seminar on Benchmarking on International Standards; Leading to Harmonization of Standards in SAARC on today (5) at Hotel Galadari - Colombo, from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The seminar will discuss challenges in the field of certification, conformity assessment, accreditation mechanism etc., and their implications on the export and import sectors.

FCCISL and SCCI have invited following eminent speakers from the region who are experts on the subject. The objective of the seminar is to create awareness amongst industrialists, importers, exporters, government officials and academics on the issues relating to Standards in SAARC and its impact on the national economy and industry including export & import sectors.