TUSDEC to set up Homologation, Materials lab in Gujranwala, Pakistan

LAHORE, November 12- Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) will set up Federal Institute of Materials and Homologation (FIMH) to make material and product testing facilities available initially for surgical goods and fan industry with an objective to enhance country's exports to quality conscious markets of the United States and European Union.

“ These facilities may later be expanded to other export oriented products,” said Mr. Suhael Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of TUSDEC while addressing the members of Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

President GCCI, Rana Shahzad Hafeez and leading industrialists from Gujranwala district were present on the occasion.

TUSDEC CEO said that the major emphasis of the training facilities at the FIMH would be familiarization of the stake holders of the fan manufacturing and surgical instruments industries with significance and procedures of the international certifications like CE and UL.

He said , besides consultancy to the industry in this regard, the industrial units would be provided financial assistance as an incentive for certification of products.

Suhael Ahmed said that the institute being set up at a cost of Rs 1.2 billion would be equipped with Material Testing Laboratory, Product Testing Laboratory and Training and Consultancy Facilities.

Talking about other projects for the development of industrial clusters in Gujranwala, he said that Gujranwala Tools , Dies and Moulds Centre would become operational by July next year, adding that Ceramics Complex would be established at a cost of Rs 315 million to provide technological assistance to the ceramics and sanitaryware clusters in Gujranwala and the adjoining areas.

He also urged the industrialists to set up units for the manufacturing of electronics gadgets especially the mobile phones as the import of mobile handsets was costing an annual bill of Rs 61 billion.

Suhael Ahmed also talked about TUSDEC plans to set up Composite and Electronics Complex to promote the non-traditional industries in the country.

Speaking on this occasion, President GCCI, Rana Shahzad Hafeez said that annual contribution of Gujranwala to national exports stood at US $ 600 million which could be increased significantly by providing more facilities to the industrialists community.

He said that it was high time that the industrialists of Gujranwala should embrace new technology and techniques to make their products internationally competitive.

Shahzad Hafeez said that GCCI was ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TUSDEC for joint efforts to help industry in the process of technology Upgradation and Skill Development.

He also suggested the holding of seminar in Gujranwala for creating more awareness among the industrialists community.