The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Certification and Inspection Group Company Ltd (CCIC) aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
According to Eng. James Kasigwa, the UNBS Executive Director, the MoU sets the foundation for a collaborative framework through which UNBS and CCIC will enhance mutual understanding, strengthen institutional capacities, and support the development and implementation of standardization, conformity assessment, and related activities.
“The MOU explores mutual recognition agreements for standardization, quality assurance, metrology and testing which will help our local industries to produce goods that comply with the standards requirements of the Chinese market, thus boosting industrialization and export promotion in line with Uganda’s ten-fold growth strategy,” Kasigwa said.
The General Manager of CCIC for East Africa, Zhonghui Guo, noted that through the MOU, CCIC looks forward to enhancing UNBS’ conformity assessment procedures in relation to China Standards.
“We expect to build a new laboratory in Uganda, enhance product and factory inspections as well as issue reports and certificates that support exportation of Ugandan made products to China and other parts of the world,” Zhonghui said.
According to the MOU, UNBS and CCIC shall cooperate in facilitating the exchange of information pertaining to standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures, fostering mutual participation in training programs, capacity-building initiatives such as provision of equipment to UNBS workshops, seminars, and expert meetings.
Exchanging experts, technical publications, and best practices with a focus on standardization and quality infrastructure, establishing joint technical committees and working groups to address mutually agreed-upon priority sectors, exploring mutual recognition agreements for standardization, quality assurance, metrology and testing to facilitate fair trade and enhancing opportunities for collaboration within regional and international frameworks, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Codex Alimentarius, among others.
Both UNBS and CCIC share a common responsibility of trade facilitation in their respective mandates and this cooperation in areas of common interest will enhance standards and market compliance support to local enterprises.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a Government Agency responsible for developing, promoting and enforcing national standards in protection of Public Health and Safety, and the Environment against harmful and sub-standard products as well as ensuring fair trade.
China Certification ＆ Inspection Group (CCIC) is a State-owned mega group providing inspection, verification, certification and testing services, founded with approval by China’s State Council as well as registered by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce (SAIC)
