The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) and South Africa Bureau of Standards Commercial (SABS Commercial) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote trade between the two countries. 
ZABS Executive Director Mr Nathan Sing’ambwa and SABS Commercial Chief Executive Officer Dr Sadhvir Bissoon signed on behalf of their respective institutions. 
Speaking after the MoU signing ceremony, Mr. Sing’ambwa says the objectives of the MoU include cooperation in the area of services offered by ZABS and SABS Commercial to promote trade between Zambia and South Africa. He explained that the scope includes the promotion of quality in products and services.
Mr. Sing’ambwa says both Zambia and South Africa are signatories to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Trade that recognises that the development of trade and investment is essential to the economic integration of the community. 
He says the SADC Protocol encourages member states to promote the compatibility of standards and conformity assessment procedures maintained in their territory. 
He explained that ZABS and SABS Commercial will draw inspiration and rely on the provisions of the Protocol and any other relevant agreements applicable to regulate their partnership.
Mr. Sing’ambwa says ZABS and SABS Commercial agreed to cooperate in the area of conformity assessment and accreditation. 
He says for the two parties to achieve their objectives, they will ensure the control of the quality of products, apply uniform standards and procedures for the inspection and testing of goods and systems so that the results may be more easily interpreted and coordinated. 
Mr. Sing’ambwa says the two parties will recognise each other’s certification mark upon adopting a harmonised scheme based on ISO guidelines and standards for the certification of products manufactured and traded between both parties’ countries. He further says the parties undertake to participate in regional and international proficiency testing schemes and inter-laboratory comparisons and mutual recognition of each other’s accredited laboratories. 
Mr. Sing’ambwa says Zambia and South Africa adopting international quality management system standards and developing capacities for the assurance of the quality of products traded between both parties’ countries. Mr. Sing’ambwa says ZABS and SABS Commercial will facilitate or undertake any pre-shipment inspection of designated products traded between the two countries.
Issued byTamara NyirendaFirst Secretary Press and Public RelationsZambia High CommissionSouth Africatamara.nyirenda@grz.gov.zm