Online Reporter
Online Reporter
INDUSTRY and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu has challenged Sadc Member States to harmonise standards and technical regulations to reduce trade barriers in the region.
Minister Ndlovu said this in a speech read on his behalf by Chief Director Dr Douglas Runyowa at the opening of the 40th Annual Sadc Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Cooperation Structures meeting in Victoria Falls today.
The week-long meeting will end on Friday and is being convened under the auspices of the TBT Annex to the Sadc protocol on Trade.
It represents a pivotal moment in the region’s collective journey towards regional industrialisation and economic integration.
The meeting is being held under the theme “Promoting regional harmonisation of standards for industrialisation and economic growth.”
Minister Ndlovu said the meeting is a platform to shape the future of regional trade landscape.
“As a region, we have made significant milestones, including the harmonisation of 124 standard texts across diverse sectors. There is also the standardisation of regulations for 21 horticultural fruits and 19 horticultural plants.
“This week we will dedicate ourselves to addressing these challenges, focusing on strategic capacity building in metrology, conformity assessment and accreditation to ensure every Member State possesses the requisite tools and resources to fully participate and reap the benefits of our regional frameworks.
“We must be committed to finding and harmonising diverse standards ensuring our products meet both regional and international benchmarks,” he said.
He said member states’ strategic frameworks must be aligned with the Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063.
He said these efforts are firmly rooted in the regional indicative strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 and the Sadc Vision 2050 guiding our regional integration programmes and actions.
Minister Ndlovu called for collaboration, innovation and unwavering commitment to build a competitive, industrialised regional economy that stands as a beacon of progress and prosperity on the global stage.
