November 20, 2001
'16'QUALITY ADHERENCE MUST FOR EXPORTS IN WTO REGIME, SAYS SAPTHARSHI
In the context of consumers putting pressure the industry sector must pay attention to the quality in the WTO regime. Shri L.V.Saptharshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, said this, while delivering presidential address in a seminar on ‘ WTO Regime and Export Certification in Food Sector’, organised by Export Inspection Council of India (EIC), here today. He said that in order to overcome the non-tariff barriers the scientific knowledge about product and processes has to be kept in mind by the industry. Shri D.P.Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ms.Shashi sareen, Director, EIC were present in the seminar which was attended by the representatives of food industry.
Shri Saptharshi said that after the process of liberalisation has started in the early 90’s, the emphasis on quality has increased a lot. He said that in the WTO regime the role of quality has become important with importing countries demanding a high quality and safe product for their consumers. He added that many dimensions have come to be associated with quality and adherence to the quality is must for exporters. In this context the initial reservation of industry did not help but those who responded positively to this reaped the benefits, he said. Shri Saptharshi warned that consumer consciousness is going to dictate the terms in future and nothing will pass unless it is quality product.
Ms. Shashi Sareen explained the role and performance of the EIC and informed about the various activities initiated by EIC. The seminar provided an opportunity to the representatives of Indian food industry to understand the requirements of SPS Agreement and International Agreements. Industry representatives made the presentations on benefits of certification in marine products and dairy sectors in the seminar.