Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Bureau of Standards says it has seen an increase in the number of small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector visiting the bureau for advice on how best they can improve their businesses and make them compliant.
ZABS managing Director Manuel Mutale told Q-news that this follows the restructuring of the Bureau in January this year.
Mr. Mutale says the inspection mandate of the Bureau which was more of a regulatory function prevented industry from freely visiting the Bureau, but that the situation has since changed after the inspection mandate was removed in January.
He notes that the removal of the inspection mandate has become a good opportunity for the bureau to interact more openly and closely with industry and that this will help increase certified products on the market.
He states that the bureau is now closely working with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers to engage with players in the manufacturing sector through trainings and certification of products.
Mr. Mutale has since emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to supporting the growth of local small and medium scale manufacturers in the country.