TOP STORY: Entrepreneurs to acquire product ‘quality marks’

There are only two products in Rwanda that are certified with the RBS quality mark. they include Nil drinking water and a BRALIRWA beer product, mützig The Ministry of Trade and Industry has appealed to local entrepreneurs to obtain certified product ‘quality marks’. The appeal by Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the Minister of Trade and Industry was made during the launch of the quality mark by Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) over the weekend at Kigali Serena hotel. According to Nsanzabaganwa obtaining a quality mark was a prerequisite if entrepreneurs are to compete globally. The mark analyses the excellence of an organisation, its products and services. This guarantees quality for products thereby raising consumers’ awareness in making quick and wise decisions during purchase. “A quality mark offers an entrepreneur comparative advantage over others,” she explained. She added that its introduction is an economic reform by government in preparation for competitiveness, as Rwanda opens it’s doors for regional and international competition. “Competitiveness is what government is pushing for in all sectors to realise economy development,” Nsanzabaganwa emphasised. There are only two products in Rwanda that are certified with RBS quality mark including Nil drinking water and a BRALIRWA beer product. This is contrary to what other EAC member countries have certified. For example, Tanzania has over 1500 products certified. Nsanzabaganwa said that Rwanda can compete on the regional market considering its comparative advantage in fruits, Irish potatoes among other produces, however, ‘it requires private sector efforts too’. Robert Bayigamba, President of Private Sector Federation (PSF) in response promised that his federation will play its role as an umbrella for the business community. The introduction of quality mark followed the establishment of a quality infrastructure that includes testing laboratories and calibration facilities at the standards regulatory body. As a sign of quality and assures of product safety, the mark is awarded by RBS after compliance of a product with a set of requirements governing quality. Meaning that manufacturers have to implement systems within their own organisations to ensure their products and services meet the necessary criteria. The standardisation principles and rules are regionally and internationally recognised. It is an East African Community (EAC) requirement for manufactured goods and comes a time when regional standardisation bodies are moving towards harmonising quality standards, a key element in promoting industry and trade. This is according to the regional Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act 2006. Ends

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TOP STORY: Entrepreneurs to acquire product ‘quality marks’