RBS signs US$0.3m agreement with Trademark EA

Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) received a o US$ 0.3 million grant from Trademark East Africa (TMEA) to facilitate the implementation of the bureau’s communication strategy. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed last week between the Director General of RBS, Mark Bagabe, and the Country Director of TMEA, Mark Priestley. The funding falls under the overall financing agreement between the government and TMEA to support regional integration initiatives within key institutions of Rwanda. “The support from TMEA is timely during this process of integration and will play a vital role on the improvements and development of standards, provision of conformity assessment such as testing and certification services,” Bagabe observed. “Efficient delivery of standard services is anticipated with the new National Quality Infrastructure as enshrined in the National Quality Policy 2010”. “It is important to communicate effectively to citizens and the private sector about the work of RBS, its processes and procedures and how they will positively impact the development of Rwanda,” Bagabe added. A statement from TMEA said that the grant will also finance the bureau’s awareness programs directed at the private sector about the importance of producing quality products and services. “RBS will be aided to raise awareness with the private sector about the standardization and product certification for exporting and importing while sensitising consumers about standards in relation to safety and quality of products on the market,” TMEA said. TMEA is a multi-donor organization that promotes regional trade and economic integration in East Africa by working closely with East African Community institutions, governments, and business and the civil society. Ends