The Ministry of Planning reported yesterday that its Minister, Mohamed Al-Zeidani, inaugurated in Misrata yesterday the work of the twentieth meeting of the Libyan-Tunisian Task Force for the Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Quality and Conformity Marks, being held from 13 to 16 December in the presence of high-level officials, with the wide participation of representatives of national authorities and a Tunisian delegation.
“The Mutual Recognition Programme between Libya and Tunisia is a strategic step to support the national economy, facilitate the flow of goods, and enhance confidence in the product that has obtained conformity certificates and quality marks, thus consolidating the principle of economic integration between the two brotherly countries.”, Minister Al-Zeidani said setting out the vision of the Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Quality and Conformity Marks Programme
The opening session witnessed the presence and delivery of speeches by:
Mohamed Al-Zeidani – Minister of Planning of the State of Libya
Mohamed Habib Sassi, Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Tunisia
Mohamed Bin Sharia – Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning for Strategy and Development Affairs
Ali Bin Zaitoun – Director General of the National Centre for Standardization and Standards
Nafie Bitoti – Director General of the Tunisian Institute of Standards and Industrial Property
The Ministry reported that the meeting was also attended by a number of dignitaries and representatives of Libyan and Tunisian national bodies and authorities, including ministries and institutions concerned with quality, control, trade, customs and food safety, in a clear affirmation of the national importance of this programme and its role in supporting the economic and regulatory policies of the state.
The Mutual Recognition Programme, the Planning Ministry explained, aims to facilitate trade exchange between Libya and Tunisia, reduce technical barriers, reduce the cost of inspection and analysis for producers, enhance consumer confidence, and open wider horizons for national products to reach regional markets, through mutual recognition of certificates of conformity and quality marks issued by accredited authorities in both countries.
In this context, the speakers appreciated the pivotal role played by the National Centre for Standardization and Standards in leading this programme, developing the Libyan standards system, and strengthening regional partnerships, with the direct support of the Ministry of Planning.
During the opening, thanks and appreciation were also extended to the national companies that support this event, which are among the companies that have obtained the Libyan Quality Mark, in recognition of their commitment to the application of standards, and their role in supporting quality activities, and contributing to the success of this event, reflecting a real partnership between the public and private sectors. Specifically, they are:
· Misrata Factory for the manufacture of plastic pipes and accessories
· Al-Madina Misrata Company for the manufacture of paints, pastes and building chemicals
· Goodwell Uganda Ceramics Company
· Daphnia Food Industries Complex
· Shaimaa Food Industries Co. Ltd.
· Al-Naseem Company for Food Industries
· Al-Jaeed Food Industries Company
The Ministry said it expects the outcomes of this meeting will contribute to strengthening the path of technical and institutional cooperation between Libya and Tunisia, and expanding the scope of mutual recognition, in a way that serves the national economy and enhances the competitiveness of the Libyan product.
