Agreeing that quality standards are essential for international trade, Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s commitment to ensuring that consumers no longer need to differentiate between local and export quality products. In the past, products were labelled as “export quality,” and only those with higher purchasing power could afford them. However, the aim now is to produce high-quality goods across the board. Minister Goyal expressed this while addressing the G-20 Standards Dialogue.
He emphasized that standards play a crucial role in trade, likening them to patents. He agreed with Pramod Kumar Tiwari, the chief of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), who sees standards as a passport to trade. Those who can maintain high standards will ultimately control markets, prices, and processes, becoming the manufacturers and innovators of the future.
India is actively working towards encouraging consumers to demand high-quality goods and services, while also giving producers sufficient time to adopt new quality standards. The government aims to facilitate this process and support the efforts of businesses, intending to position India as a global provider of quality products on equal terms with other countries.
Minister Goyal stressed that true quality cannot be achieved solely through pressure or regulations; it must stem from the personal conviction of every stakeholder involved. With 8 billion consumers worldwide desiring better quality, he called for a balance between local needs and global standards that are widely recognized and accepted. This approach would help India break free from the mindset of having two standards for everything it produces.
He also emphasized the importance of progressing towards world-class standards, especially in less developed and developing countries, in a measured and collective manner. By working together as a team, countries can support each other and enable holistic development and a sustainable future.
Minister Goyal proposed making the G-20 Standards Dialogue a regular engagement to provide support for countries lacking robust quality systems.
Overall, India is committed to ensuring high-quality products and services, strengthening its position in international trade, and promoting sustainable global development.
