SBS launches first standardisation strategy   |15 October 2022

Mr Ally presents copies of the strategy to Minister Vidot (Photo: Joena Meme)

Seychelles has its first Medium-Term Standardisation Strategy, drafted by the Seychelles Bureau of Standards and two foreign consultants ‒ Maurizio Zincone and Daniela Clejanu ‒ with the participation of local regulators.

The strategy, under the motto ‘Standardisation in Seychelles – the Way Forward’, covers the period 2022 to 2025, and was launched yesterday by the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Devika Vidot, during a half-day workshop at the Savoy Resort & Spa’s conference entre, to coincide with World Standards Day celebrated on October 14.

The document was drafted with the support of the 11th EDF Programme as part of Seychelles’ implementation of the current Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, chief executive of the Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS), Andy Ally, said it was an important document that sets out a framework as to how SBS will work together with stakeholders.

He reiterated the importance of having standards nationally, saying it played a major role in increasing product quality and their competitiveness, as well as facilitate international trade.

Mr Ally said it was therefore important to enhance stakeholders’ involvement in developing these standards.

“The development of standards needs the active participation of all stakeholders, including government, regulators and businesses, in an open and transparent manner. It should not be seen as the sole responsibility of SBS,” he said.

He added that because SBS is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and a signatory to the WTO Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT) Agreement, these standards should be aligned to international norms and best practices set out by WTO and ISO.

“The strategy has the purpose to effectively implement the Annex 3 to the WTO TBTAgreement ‒ Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards. It also aims to support SBS to better answer the needs of its stakeholders and contribute in a more significant way to Seychelles’ economicand social development,” said Mr Ally.

For his part, the chief for standardisation and certification, Elvis Nicette said because the strategy saw the involvement and participation of all stakeholders, it “was catered for Seychelles and had the country at heart”.

He said its purpose was also to make the process of developing standards more transparent and open.

He described the strategy as a “live document” that will be amended and improved as more standards are developed and invited regulators to give their inputs as and when the need arises to “tailor the standardisation activities”.

Copies of the strategy were presented to Minister Vidot and SBS board member Brian Orr.

At yesterday’s ceremony, the SBS also presented a token to Irene Joseph, to thank him for his immense contribution towards standardisation in Seychelles. The token of appreciation was accepted by his son Patrick Joseph, on behalf of his father.

The event was attended by various sectors including, health, environment, land use and transport.

Patsy Canaya