UAE- QCC signs MoU with Ministry of Economy to strengthen collaboration

ABU DHABI 11th January 2016 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council QCC the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure and raising awareness on quality standards in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with the UAE Ministry of Economy to strengthen collaboration and the strategic partnership.

The MoU was signed by Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Hussain Salem Al Katheeri Secretary-General of QCC.

As part of the MoU QCC and the Ministry of Economy will strengthen mutual cooperation in the area of mandatory requirements regarding consumer safety in addition to reporting violations testing product samples and enforcing legal measures. The agreement will allow the two sides to join hands in hosting and participating in conferences seminars lectures training sessions workshops as well as launching initiatives related to market surveillance.

The MoU also contains provisions to promote collaboration between QCC and the Ministry of Economy towards achieving e-readiness.

Commenting on the agreement Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi said "In strengthening collaboration with its strategic partners the Ministry of Economy seeks to enhance the quality of products sold in the local markets and ensure that imported goods are in full compliance with the UAE's national standards and specifications. Our technical cooperation with QCC will further achieve the Ministry's objective of fighting commercial fraud and ensuring consumer protection.

"At the Ministry of Economy we closely collaborate with all concerned authorities at both federal and local levels including QCC to enhance surveillance on controlled products and ensure that the quality validity and compliance of all products are strictly adhered. This will help us safeguard the safety of consumers and protect their rights."

The Under-Secretary added "The Ministry of Economy is committed to fighting all manipulations and malpractices that adversely impact the trade landscape in the UAE. In line with this goal we seek to develop synergies with our partners at local and federal levels as well as the private sector to protect consumers from the hazards posed by goods and products that do not comply with the required quality standards.

"Consumer safety is a critical issue with direct implications on the performance of the national economy as well as public safety. We are confident our agreement with QCC will mark an important step in ensuring the quality of products and the safety of consumers."

Hussain Salem Al Katheeri Secretary General of QCC said "This MoU complements QCC's efforts to further strengthen its cooperation with key government partners at the federal and local level. In 2015 we signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Department of Economic Development DED to strengthen cooperation in quality assurance market surveillance and business license issuance. This agreement translated into enhanced quality awareness among the business community in Abu Dhabi about the importance of safety and quality of products traded in markets.