Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Principal Secretary (PS) Bright Molande says accurate and standardised measurements are key to strengthening Malawi’s credibility and competitiveness in global trade.
The PS said on Wednesday in Blantyre during World Metrology Day commemorations that countries that adhere to internationally accepted measurement standards are more likely to earn trust from global partners and attract trade and investment opportunities.
“If you are known for improper measurements, it means you cannot be trusted. But if your measurements are standardised to world standards, it means you will be trusted,” said Molande.
Malawi Bureau of Standards director general Symon Mandala said metrology underpins all sectors of the economy and urged stakeholders and the public to appreciate its role in daily life.
“We are asking the public and all stakeholders to reflect on the role of measurements because it shapes the way we do business, health and the energy sector,” he said.
Mandala said MBS ensures that measuring instruments are calibrated and verified in line with international standards under the International Organisation of Legal Metrology.
“Where we find equipment that is not certified, we do confiscate it as a regulator,” he said,
Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Programme clinical researcher Bright Lipenga said strengthened metrology systems are essential for improving healthcare delivery and clinical research.
The World Metrology Day commemorations were held under the theme ‘Building trust in policy making’.
